hmp belmarsh visit booking online

Blog Government Digital Service

https://gds.blog.gov.uk/2014/09/15/you-can-now-book-a-prison-visit-online/

You can now book a prison visit online

Booking a prison visit should be simple and straightforward. Until now that was far from the case. Booking a visit required both prisoner and visitor to jump through hoops: paper forms and drawn-out phone calls. And if the visit date turned out to be impossible, they had to start all over again.

Now you can book a visit online . It takes about 5 minutes. Before, picking an available date was pot luck. Now there's a date-picker that lets you select 3 possible slots instead of 1. It’s a straight-forward service with user-needs at its heart but, if you get stuck, you can call the prison's visits booking line and someone will help you with the booking.

Here's a very short film we've made about it:

By making it easier to book visits, prisoners will see more of their friends and family. Evidence suggests this will help their rehabilitation. Transformation isn't just about websites.

The service was built by the Ministry of Justice, with a combined team from the National Offender Management Service, HM Prison Service and MoJ Digital Services.

For more of the story behind this service, read Mike Bracken's account of his trip to HMP Rochester or check out the service’s transformation page .

Join the conversation on Twitter , and don't forget to sign up for email alerts .

You may also be interested in:

• Prison visit booking: using digital analytics to inform alpha development
• Making prison visits easier to book
• Meet the Transformation team

Sharing and comments

Share this page, 20 comments.

Comment by Pauline posted on 23 August 2015

How do you find out the prisoners number??? so you can go ahead with online booking of a visit?

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 24 August 2015

You can find a prisoner using this service: https://www.gov.uk/find-prisoner However it will be the prisoner's responsibility to get in touch with you to let you know their prison number etc.

Comment by linda posted on 15 August 2015

This service does not appear to work this is day 2 trying to use it

Comment by Olivia posted on 30 July 2015

Hi, If a visit is booked and someone cant make it, is it possible to change the name of one of the people to someone else?

Comment by Louise Duffy posted on 30 July 2015

It's best to contact the prison directly if this happens. You can find contact details here: http://www.justice.gov.uk/contacts/prison-finder

Thanks, Louise

Comment by Paige posted on 28 July 2015

Hi my partner was sent to nottingham today, I was on his previous list 4 months ago for a visit. Will that still be on the system all will it have to he put through again if so how long does it take to be approved for a visit? Thanks Paige.

Comment by Louise Duffy posted on 29 July 2015

You might want to get in touch with the prison first before booking a visit. You can find the contact details of the prison here: http://www.justice.gov.uk/contacts/prison-finder

Comment by Debs posted on 27 July 2015

Hello Is there a list of prisons where online booking can't be used?

Comment by Louise Duffy posted on 28 July 2015

According to the information on this page: https://www.gov.uk/prison-visits , you can arrange a visit to any prison in England and Wales through this service. If you're visiting someone in Northern Ireland or Scotland you'll need to contact the prison directly.

This link also lists the type of visits that are not covered by the online service: https://www.gov.uk/prison-visits so you need to get in touch with the prison directly.

Hope that's helpful.

Comment by c.steer posted on 26 July 2015

So how do I find the booking form to fill in I am new to computers

Comment by Louise Duffy posted on 27 July 2015

Here's the link to the booking form: https://www.gov.uk/prison-visits

You'll need this information to complete the form:

prisoner number prisoner’s date of birth dates of birth for all visitors coming with you make sure the person you’re visiting has added you to their visitor list

Hope that's useful.

Comment by Shawnaa posted on 09 May 2015

i have a visit booked which i did online but i do not have a visiting order woll the prison let me in?

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 11 May 2015

Your identity will be checked on arrival to make sure you’re on the visitor list.

Comment by jessicca posted on 27 January 2015

What happens after you book the visit and its confirmed by email do you need the visiting order ?

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 29 January 2015

The Visiting Order (VO) number is generated by the booking system, it is included in your confirmation email and you will need this to change or cancel a booking.

However, if you're visiting a prison the guidance is that you only need your ID, not the VO number. If when you visit the prison you are asked for the VO number you should report this via the Contact Us link on the Prison Visits Booking form.

I hope that helps.

Comment by Ilysa Mcnally posted on 18 November 2014

How late in advance can I book e.g. book a visit today (Tuesday) for the Sunday coming???

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 19 November 2014

Hi Ilysa. Thanks for your question. A visit needs to be booked 3 working days in advance. So in this case, the visit request would have to be no later than Tuesday to allow for a visit on Sunday.

Comment by carole posted on 23 October 2014

How far in advance can you book visits

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 23 October 2014

Hi Carole. You can book up to 28 days in advance. Thanks for your question.

Comment by kimberly posted on 16 August 2015

does anyone know how to cancel a visit online?

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• Inside Time Reports
• 13th December 2014
• Greater London , Male Cat. C , Prison Visit

Prison information

Address: Western Way Thamesmead London SE28 0NZ Switchboard: 020 3356 4000 Managed by: HMPPS Region: London Category:  Male Cat. C and YOI Link to: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/isis-prison

Description

HMP & YOI Isis protects the public by holding sentenced young adult males and category C offenders.

HMP & YOI Isis is sited within the perimeter wall of HMP Belmarsh

Visit Booking: On-line Use this online service to book a social visit to a prisoner in England or Wales you need the:

• prisoner number
• prisoner’s date of birth
• dates of birth for all visitors coming with you

The prisoner must add you to their visitor list before you can book a visit.

You’ll get an email confirming your visit. It takes 1 to 3 days.

ID: Every visit

Acceptable forms of ID

Related documents

• Prison Inspection Reports

Something missing or outdated?

If you have any information that you would like to be included or see anything that needs updating, contact Paul Sullivan at  [email protected]

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• Category C - NEW
• Male Cat. C
• 24th January 2017

HMYOI WARREN HILL

• 4th January 2015

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Belmarsh Prison Information

Contact information, booking a visit to belmarsh prison.

Unlimited Prison Phone Calls Package

Our locations

We provide quality healthcare to patients residing in the below secure environments.

HMP Altcourse

Switchboard:  0151 522 2000

Safer Custody Helpline

Prisoners’ Families Helpline: 0808 808 2003

If you are enquiring to confirm if a friend or relative is within our custody then please email  [email protected] .

Visiting the prison

Booking a visit – domestic visits (family and friends)

Prisoners are responsible for booking their own visits; this is done by using an application on the Central Management System (CMS) – accessed via touchscreen computer terminals that are located on each unit in the establishment. Once a visit has been approved it is up the individual prisoner to inform his family and friends of the date and time of the visit.

The maximum time a visit can be booked is 14 days in advance and the minimum is three days in advance.

Prisoners can book up to three adult visitors per session and three children less than 18 years of age. However, if the child is over 17 they will be classed as an adult.

It is the responsibility of the prisoner to book and inform friends and family of the time and date of visits. Staff are not responsible for booking or informing family and friends of visits or cancellation of visits. It is also the responsibility of the prisoner to inform visitors of correct identification requirements as well as other visit regulations, however visitors are encouraged to check the website for further details.

For sending correspondence/emails to your family or friend in prison, you can take advantage of the emailaprisoner.com system. Please log on to  https://www.emailaprisoner.com  and follow the instructions.

More information

Domestic visitors’ identification

All visitors to closed prisons, both adults and children, whether visiting for social or official purposes must be required to prove their identity at Reception. (Children’s birth certificates are suitable to prove the name and date of birth).

Two separate forms of up-to-date identification will be required to gain entry to the prison, including one photographic identification and two proof of address:

• Driving licence – acceptable on its own if photograph and the address matches the address provided by the prisoner on CMS.
• Passport – including foreign passports and time expired passports where the photograph is still recognisable.
• Bus pass (elderly only) – must have been issued by the Local Authority. Photograph must match.
• Student / Employers I.D. – must clearly show the name of the visitor and educational establishment/employer. Photograph must match.
• Citizen Card – A Citizen Card is an official UK ID/proof of age card recognised as such by the Home Office. Obtained online. A standard application costs £15 and takes 21 days (card posted by Royal Mail 2nd class); an urgent application costs £30 and takes 1-2 working days (subject to verification; card posted by Special Delivery guaranteed Next Day by 1pm). You can find out more at www.citizencard.com . Must be official, the photograph must match.

Two proof of address can include: (No more than six months old) 

• Utility bill
• Benefit book/letter
• Council tax/Tax Credit award
• Household bill or statement with the address on

For other forms of ID that may be acceptable please ensure you contact the prison Visits Booking line for advice.

If a visitor is unable to produce ID as above, staff may accept combinations of two or more of the following below, but must also include two proof of addresses:

• Birth/marriage certificate
• Rail or bus pass with photo
• Cheque book or credit/debit card (counts as one, do not accept as two)
• Employer’s pass or ID or student ID card not acceptable under paragraph 2
• Young person’s ‘proof of age’ card
• Trade Union or National Students’ union membership card
• Library card, if it has a signature that can be compared with the visitor’s signature
• Foreign identity or resident’s card (other than EC ID cards acceptable in their own right)
• Expired documents from the above lists that appear satisfactory in other ways
• ID Card from Prison Visitors Organisations

You may be refused entry if you do not have sufficient ID. This will be decided by the Visits Manager on duty. The Director has the discretion to accept any form of identification that clearly identifies the visitor in a satisfactory way.

Having had ID checked all visitors will have their photograph taken, fingerprints and hand stamped with UV ink. All adults and children over 10 years of age will have their fingerprints taken. 

Booking a visit – legal/officials only

Our dedicated booking line is staffed: Monday to Friday between 8.30am-4.30pm.

Official visitors can book by phone or via email:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 0151 522 2196 or 0151 522 2047

For non-confidential correspondence to your clients, you can take advantage of the emailaprisoner.com system. Please log on to  https://www.emailaprisoner.com/  and follow the instructions.

HMP & YOI Askham Grange

Switchboard:  0190 477 2000

Worried or concerned about a loved one?

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a woman at HMP & YOI Askham Grange , call the safer custody hotline on  0190 477 2026 .

How to keep in touch:

If you have a loved one in HMP & YOI Askham Grange you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting information:

Visiting HMP & YOI Askham Grange or need to know how to book a visit? You can find out visiting information  here .

You can also email the families team at HMP Askham Grange directly here:  [email protected] .

More information:

For more information, support and advice on all aspects of the justice system, you can contact the Prisoners’ Families Helpline on  0808 808 2003  (9am – 8pm Monday to Friday and 10am – 3pm at the weekend).

Children Heard and Seen supports children, young people and their families, who are impacted by parental imprisonment. If you would like to find out more about their services, you can contact them here:  [email protected] .

HMP Belmarsh

Switchboard:  020 8331 4400

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a prisoner in Belmarsh, call the safer custody hotline and leave a message. Someone will call you back within 24 hours.

Telephone: 0208 331 4890 Monday to Friday, 8am-4pm, weekends from 8am-12noon.

In an emergency, call 0208 331 4781 or 0208 331 4866 .

[email protected]

All visitors, aged 16 or older must prove their identity before entering the prison. All visitors will need to be given a pat-down search, including children. On your first visit, you will have your photo taken. You may have your fingerprints taken and an eye scan. You may also be sniffed by security dogs.

Belmarsh has a strict dress code policy, which means visitors should wear smart, family-friendly clothes (no ripped clothing, no vests, no low-cut tops, no shorts, no short dresses, no sports team clothing, no watches, only minimal jewellery, no offensive slogans and no headwear, other than that worn for religious reasons).

Refreshments are available during your visit.

There are strict controls on what you can take into Belmarsh. You will have to leave most of the things you have with you in a locker (you will need a £1 coin) or with security. This includes pushchairs and car seats.

You will be told the rules by an officer at the start of your visit. If you break the rules, your visit could be cancelled and you could be banned from visiting again.

Visiting facilities

There is a family-friendly visitors centre run by the  Prison Advice and Care Trust (PACT) .

Visitors should arrive to the visitors centre to book in for a visit. There is a tea bar in the visitor’s centre outside the prison and a full tea bar inside the main visits hall.

There is also a small play area in the visits centre and a larger staffed creche area in side the main visits hall.

Prisoners’ property can be handed in on a visit by application.

PACT Telephone: 0208 317 3888 Email:  [email protected]

Family days

Belmarsh is running one family day session per month.

More Information

You can  book your visit online , by email to  [email protected]  or by telephone

You can also register to use the  secure video calls  service.

Telephone booking line: 0208 331 4760 or 020 8331 4750 The booking line is open Monday to Friday, 9:30am-3pm Find out about call charges

You can arrive up to one hour before the time of your visit to go through security and check in.

Parking is limited so please arrive with plenty of time to park or use local transport.

All visits must be booked in advance. Only those visitors whose details have been listed on the Prisoner’s Authorisation Contact List (as provided by the prisoner) and those who are named on the booking will be allowed entry into the prison.

Prison staff cannot add visitor(s) to a Prisoner’s Authorisation Contact List without the consent/authorisation of a Prisoner.

Visiting times:

• Tuesday to Thursday: 9:15am-10:45am, 2:15pm-3:45pm
• Friday: 9:15am-10:45am
• Saturday: 9:30am-11:30am, 2:15pm-4:15pm
• Sunday: 2:15pm-4:15pm

HMP & YOI Brinsford

Switchboard:  0190 253 3450

If you are worried about a resident at HMP & YOI Brinsford , you can call the 24-hour safer custody helpline on  0190 253 3565 .

If you have a loved one in HMYOI Brinsford you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMYOI Brinsford or need to know how to book a visit? You can find out visiting information  here .

Barnardo’s runs the visitor’s centre at Brinsford. Trained, experienced staff are available during visit sessions to help families. They will also give people information about the range of support services available in the local community.

The team includes a dedicated family engagement worker and a child support worker who have specific roles. These roles include child activity and community support, as well as help for prisoners in repairing difficult or damaged family relationships. You can call the visits centre on  0138 441 1722  for more information.

HMP Brixton

Switchboard:  0208 588 6000

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a man in HMP Brixton , call the safer custody hotline. Leave as much information as possible about the resident and your concerns, as well as your contact details. You may not receive a callback but the resident may be asked to contact you if appropriate. Telephone:  0208 588 6156 .

If you have a loved one in HMP Brixton you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP Brixton or need to know how to book a visit? You can find out visiting information  here .

You can also contact the Prison Advice and Care Trust (PACT) Family Workers at HMP Brixton directly by emailing  [email protected] .

HMP Bullingdon

Switchboard:  0186 935 3100

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a man in HMP Bullingdon , call the safer custody hotline on 01869 356893. Leave as much information as possible about the resident and your concerns, as well as your contact details. You may not receive a callback but the resident may be asked to contact you if appropriate.

If you have a loved one in HMP Bullingdon you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP Bullingdon or need to know how to book a visit? You can find out visiting information here: https://www.prisonadvice.org.uk/hmp-bullingdon

You can also email the family services team at HMP Bullingdon directly by emailing [email protected].

Children Heard and Seen support children, young people and their families, who are impacted by parental imprisonment. If you would like to find out more about their services, you can contact them here:  [email protected] .

Switchboard:  0160 332 6000

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a man in HMP Bure , call the safer custody hotline on  0160 332 6012 . The phone line is monitored 24 hours a day and all calls are treated as confidential.

If you have a a loved one in HMP Bure you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP Bure or need to know how to book a visit? You can find out visiting information  here .

HMP & YOI Doncaster

Switchboard:  0808 808 2003

In an emergency, or if you are concerned about a man’s safety, health or wellbeing in HMP & YOI Doncaster please contact the prison on  01302 760870  and ask to speak to the Orderly Officer stating your concern is an emergency. You can also visit w ww.prisonersfamilies.org/hmp-doncaster and submit a safer custody form.

If you have a loved one in HMP & YOI Doncaster you can email them via  email a prisoner .

HMP Dovegate

Switchboard:  0128 382 9400

If you are concerned about a prisoner’s safety, health or well-being please contact the prison on  0128 382 9400  at any time. This number is manned 24 hours a day.

If you have a loved one in HMP Dovegate you can email them via  email a prisoner .

HMP & YOI Drake Hall

Switchboard:  0178 577 4100

If you have safety, health or well-being concerns about a woman in HMP & YOI Drake Hall please call the Safer Custody team on  0178 577 4217 .

You can also email the team at HMP Drake Hall directly by emailing  [email protected] .

If you have a loved one in HMP & YOI Drake Hall you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP & YOI Drake Hall or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visit information  here .

You can also email the family services team at HMP Drake Hall directly by emailing  [email protected] .

HMP Featherstone

Switchboard:  0190 270 3000

If you are concerned about the safety or wellbeing of a man in HMP Featherstone , contact the safer custody team. Please leave a message with their name, prison number and details of your concerns, also leave your name, contact number and relationship with them.

Email:  [email protected]

Safer custody hotline:  0190 270 3081

If you have a loved one in HMP Featherstone you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP Featherstone or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visits information  here .

Switchboard:  0190 366 3000

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a man in HMP Ford , call the anti-drugs and safer custody hotline on  0800 389 2246 . Please leave a message with their name, prison number and details of your concerns, also leave your name, contact number and relationship with them.

If you have a loved one in HMP Ford you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP Ford or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visit information  here .

You can contact the Family Services Manager directly on  0797 063 8276  or  [email protected] .

Gatwick IRC

Switchboard:  01293 566 500

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]  (to arrange visits) [email protected]  (to request medical records)

Visiting hours are 2pm-5.30pm and 6pm-9pm every day. Last admission is at 8.30pm.

You must book at least one day in advance, between 8am and 9pm.

• You must bring the following:
• passport or travel document
• driving licence (paper and photo sections)

Or you can bring two of the following:

• birth or marriage certificate
• rail or bus pass with photo
• employer’s ID or student card with photo
• young person’s proof of age card
• trade union membership card
• older person’s bus pass
• benefits book
• application registration card (ARC)

There’s a free bus service from Atlantic House to Brook House with a stop at  Tinsley House . The pick-up point is in front of Atlantic House, just outside Gatwick South Terminal. You can ask about bus times or how to arrange a pick-up when you book your visit.

There’s a free on-site car park. If you use a satnav, use the street name Perimeter Road South, not the postcode.

HMP Grendon

Switchboard:  0129 644 5000

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a man in HMP Grendon , call the safer custody hotline (24 hours) on  0129 644 5026 .

If you have a loved one in HMP Grendon you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP Grendon or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visits information  here .

For visiting enquiries, please ring  0129 644 5243 .

HMP & YOI Hatfield

Switchboard:  0140 574 6500

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of someone in HMP & YOI Hatfield , call the 24-hour safer custody hotline on  0140 575 6509 .

If you have a loved one in HMP & YOI Hatfield you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP & YOI Hatfield or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visit information  here .

You can also email the families team at HMP & YOI Hatfield directly by emailing  [email protected] .

Heathrow IRC

Switchboard:  020 8607 5200

If you have any safeguarding concerns for residents in our care, please contact the Safer Community hotline on 020 8607 5303 .

Email:  [email protected]  (to arrange legal visits – for legal professionals only) Email:  [email protected]  (to arrange a social visit) Email:  [email protected]  (to request medical records)

Visiting hours are 2pm-9pm every day. Last admission is at 8.30pm.

• You must book your visit in advance.
• photo ID (passport or driving licence)
• utility bill showing your name and address

As per Home Office requirements, all visitors over the age of 18 must present the following ID prior to entry :

One of the following:

• A passport (current or if expired within 5 years of expiry date). This can include foreign passports and travel documents recognised by HM Government
• European Community identity card
• Photographic driving licence
• Or two of the following:
• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate
• Rail or bus pass with photograph
• Employer’s ID card or NUS student card
• Young person’s proof of age card
• Trade union membership card
• Senior citizen travel pass issued by a local authority
• Home Office ARC card (asylum support application registration card)
• Benefits book

There is a refreshment kiosk in the hall and visitors may bring £10 in change to purchase drinks and snacks.

Please bring a £1 coin to use one of the lockers provided, this will be reimbursed to visitors when they depart the centre.

HMP Highpoint

Switchboard:  0144 074 3100

Contact the Safer Custody hotline on  0144 074 3004  with any immediate concerns about a resident. This line is checked twice a day, you can leave a message and it will be dealt with promptly.

If you have a loved one in HMP Highpoint you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP Highpoint or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visit information  here .

Ormiston deliver visitor services at HMP Highpoint. You can contact them on  0147 372 4517  or  [email protected] .

HMP Huntercombe

Switchboard:  0149 164 3100

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a man in HMP Huntercombe contact the safer custody hotline on  0149 164 3225 . Leave as much information as possible and a telephone number for staff to call you back. You can also email  [email protected] .

If you have a loved one in HMP Huntercombe you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP Huntercombe or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visits information  here .

You can email the family services team at HMP Huntercombe directly by emailing  [email protected] .

HMP & YOI Hollesley Bay

Switchboard:  0139 441 2400

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a man in HMP & YOI Hollesley Bay you can contact the Safer Custody team on  0139 441 2462 .

If you have a loved one in HMP & YOI Hollesley Bay you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP & YOI Hollesley Bay or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visit information  here .

Ormiston delivers visitor services at HMP & YOI Hollesley Bay. You can contact them at  0147 3724517  or  [email protected] .

HMP Isle of Wight

Switchboard:  0198 363 4000

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a man in HMP Isle of Wight , call the safer custody hotline on  0800 496 1125 . The mailbox is checked regularly each day. Please leave as much information as possible and a telephone number for staff to call you back.

If you have a loved one in HMP Isle of Wight you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP Isle of Wight or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visits information  here .

You can also call the family services team directly on  0198 386 5657 .

Switchboard:  0113 203 2600

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a man in HMP Leeds call the safer custody hotline on  0113 203 2629 . Leave your name, your telephone number, the prisoner’s name and prisoner number, and a brief description of the problem. Someone will call you back within 24 hours.

If you have a loved one in HMP Leeds you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP Leeds or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visit information  here .

You can also email the families team directly on:  [email protected] .

Switchboard:  0127 378 5100

Families of residents in HMP Lewes can use the safer custody hotline to report bullying or concerns about self-harm or suicide. It is staffed during office hours. At other times there is an answerphone which is checked and followed up every day.

Please leave your name, the resident’s name, a return contact number and brief details about your concern and a member of staff will call you back. The safer custody hotline number is  0127 378 5392 . You can also email:  [email protected] .

If you have a loved one in HMP Lewes you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP Lewes or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visit information  here .

Spurgeons staff at HMP Lewes have a Facebook support page and private Facebook support group for families, please contact the team to find out how you can join. You can call them on  0797 063 8276  or email  [email protected] .

HMP Lindholme

Switchboard:  0130 252 4700

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a man in HMP Lindholme , call the safer custody hotline on  0130 252 4731 .

You may be asked to leave a message. If so, include your name, telephone number and why you’re calling, as well as the name and prisoner number of the man you’re worried about. Somebody should call you back within 24 hours.

If you have a loved one in HMP Lindholme you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP Lindholme or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visit information  here .

You can also email the families team at HMP Lindholme directly by emailing  [email protected] .

HMP Long Lartin

Switchboard:  0138 629 5100

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a man in HMP Long Lartin , call the safer custody hotline on  0800 496 1455 .

Leave your name, telephone number, the reason for your call and the name and prisoner number of the man you are worried about. You should be called back within 24 hours.

If you have a loved one in HMP Long Lartin you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP Long Lartin or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visit information  here .

The Prison Advice and Care Trust (PACT) offer help and support to families and friends with someone in HMP Long Lartin. You can contact them here  [email protected] .

HMP & YOI Moorland

Switchboard:  0130 252 3000

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a man in HMP & YOI Moorland call the safer custody hotline on  0800 496 1364 .

Leave your name, the reason for your call and the name of your loved one and their prisoner number. You will be called back in 24 hours. An emergency number will always be given.

If you have a loved one in HMP & YOI Moorland you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP & YOI Moorland or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visit information  here .

You can also email the families team at HMP & YOI Moorland directly by emailing  [email protected] .

HMP & YOI New Hall

Switchboard:  0192 480 3000

If you are concerned about the safety or wellbeing of a woman in HMP & YOI New Hall call the safer custody line on  0192 484 0723 . You will be asked to leave a recorded message that staff will listen to. Please give the full name of the prisoner you are concerned about and include your contact number if possible.

If you have a loved one in HMP & YOI New Hall you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP & YOI New Hall or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visit information  here .

HMP Oakwood

Switchboard:  0190 279 9700

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a man in HMP Oakwood call the safer custody hotline on  0190 279 9991 .

If you get an answering machine, please leave as much information as possible and a telephone number for staff to call you back. You will receive a response within 24 hours.

If you have a loved one in HMP Oakwood you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP Oakwood or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visit information  here .

You can email the visits team here:  [email protected]  or call the visits centre on  0121 707 1008 .

HMP Pentonville

Switchboard:  0207 023 7000

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a man in HMP Pentonville call the safer custody hotline on  0207 023 7341 .

If you get an answering machine, leave as much information as possible and a telephone number for staff to call you back. You will receive a response within 24 hours.

You can also email  [email protected] .

If you have a loved one in HMP Pentonville you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP Pentonville or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visit information  here .

You can also contact the family services via [email protected] or the visitors’ centre on  0207 700 0912 .

HMP Spring Hill

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a man in HMP Spring Hill call the safer custody hotline (24 hours) on 01296 445 026.

If you have a loved one in HMP Springhill you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP Spring Hill or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visit information  here .

For visit bookings and inquiries you can call the visitors’ centre directly on  0129 644 5243 .

HMP Stafford

Switchboard:  0178 577 3000

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a man in HMP Stafford , call the safer custody hotline on  0178 577 3127  and leave as much information as possible. All issues raised will be investigated.

If you have a loved one in HMP Stafford you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP Stafford or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visit information  here .

HMP Stocken

Switchboard:  0178 079 5100

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a man in HMP Stocken , call the safer custody hotline on  0178 079 5213  and leave as much information as possible. All issues raised will be investigated.

If you have a loved one in HMP Stocken you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP Stocken or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visit information  here .

HMP & YOI Swinfen Hall

Switchboard:  0154 348 4000

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a man in HMP & YOI Swinfen Hall call the safer custody hotline on  0154 348 4244  and leave a message with as much information as possible. Someone will call you back within 24 hours.

If you have a loved one in HMP & YOI Swinfen Hall you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP & YOI Swinfen Hall or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visit information  here .

HMP Thameside

Switchboard:  020 8317 9777

If you are concerned about the safety, health or wellbeing of a prisoner, please contact us in the following ways:

• Email:  [email protected]
• Safer Custody hotline voicemail box: 020 8317 5593
• Email:  [email protected]

Please be aware these three accounts are only accessed at irregular intervals between the hours of 8.30am-5pm Monday to Friday

Out of hours and weekends or for urgent issues please contact our main telephone number: 020 8317 9777 . This will allow you to be diverted to the most suitable area to manage your query.

[email protected]

ALL visitors, whether they have visited before or if it is their first time visiting, must bring a photographic ID and proof of current address with them for every visit and must be able to clearly identify themselves as the person that they are claiming to be. The proof of address must match the address submitted by the prisoner when booking the visit. If you are unable to provide this or the addresses do not match then you will not be permitted to enter.

All visitors at HMP Thameside must be appropriately dressed at all times. Failure to comply will result in you being refused entry to the establishment. The following restrictions apply to all visits of all ages. This is by no means a complete list and is reviewed regularly.

HMP Wakefield

Switchboard:  0192 461 2000

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a man in HMP Wakefield call the switchboard on  0192 461 2000  and ask to speak to the Safer Prisons department or the duty governor. In an emergency, ask for the ‘control room’. They will pass on your concerns to the orderly officer immediately.

You can also call the Safer Prisons Family Helpline on  0800 389 1108  and leave a message. It is monitored from 8am to 5pm and once after midnight.

If you have a loved one in HMP Wakefield you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP Wakefield or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visit information  here .

HMP Warren Hill

Switchboard:  0139 463 3400

Please call  0139 463 3400  (24 hours) and ask for the Safer Custody hotline to report immediate concerns you may have about a resident at HMP Warren Hill .

If you have a loved one in HMP Warren Hill you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP Warren Hill or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visit information  here .

Ormiston family services work at Warren hill and can be contacted on  0147 372 4517  or  [email protected] .

HMP Wayland

Switchboard:  01953 804100

If you have concerns about the safety, health or wellbeing of a man in HMP Wayland , call the safer custody hotline on  0195 380 4000 .

You may be asked to leave a message. Please leave as much information as possible about your concern. All issues raised will be investigated.

If you have a loved one in HMP Wayland you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP Wayland or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visit information  here .

HMP Wealstun

Switchboard:  0193 744 4400

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a man in HMP Wealstun call the safer custody (at risk) hotline on  0193 744 4774 .

Leave your name, telephone number and the reason for your call. Also, leave the name and prisoner number of your loved one. You will get a call back within 24 hours.

If you have a loved one in HMP Wealstun you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP Wealstun or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visit information  here .

You can also email the team directly on:  [email protected] .

HMP & YOI Werrington

Switchboard:  0178 246 3300

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a young person in HMP & YOI Werrington call the safeguarding line on  0178 246 3355 . There is an answerphone out of hours and it is checked regularly. Please leave your name, telephone number and the reason for your call. Also, leave the name and prisoner number of your loved one.

If you have a loved one in HMPYOI Werrington you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMPYOI Werrington or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visit information  here .

HMP Whatton

Switchboard:  0194 980 3200

HMP Whatton has a safer custody hotline to call or email if you are worried about the health or safety of a resident. Please call  0194 980 3484  and leave your name, telephone number and the reason for your call. Also, leave the name and prisoner number of your loved one. You can also email  [email protected] .

If you have a loved one in HMP Whatton you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP Whatton or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visits information  here .

For further information about the visitor centre call  0194 980 3564  or email  [email protected] .

HMP & YOI Winchester

Switchboard:  0196 272 3000

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a man in HMP & YOI Winchester call the safer custody hotline on  0196 272 3320 . Please leave your name, telephone number and the reason for your call. Also, leave the name and prisoner number of your loved one.

If you have a loved one in HMP & YOI Winchester you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP Winchester or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visits information  here .

HMP Wormwood Scrubs

Switchboard:  0208 588 3200

If you are worried about your loved one while they are a resident at HMP Wormwood Scrubs you can contact the Safer Custody team on  0208 588 3216 . You may be asked to leave a voicemail. Please make sure you include:

• The reason that you are calling.
• The name of your family member/friend (and their prison number if you know it).
• Your telephone number (so that the prison can call you back).

Please wait at least 24 hours for a call back before contacting the prison again.

If you have a loved one in HMP Wormwood Scrubs you can email them via  email a prisoner .

Visiting HMP Wormwood Scrubs or need to know more information about how to book a visit? You can find the most up-to-date visit information  here .

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• Crime, justice and law
• Prisons and probation

Wormwood Scrubs Prison

Wormwood Scrubs is a men’s prison in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, West London.

Help us to improve this page. Give us your feedback in this 2 minute survey.

Book and plan your visit to Wormwood Scrubs

To visit someone in Wormwood Scrubs you must:

• be on that person’s visitor list
• book your visit at least 2 days in advance
• have the required ID with you when you go

At least one visitor must be 18 or older at every visit.

There may be a limit to the number of visits a person can have. You can check this with Wormwood Scrubs.

Contact Wormwood Scrubs if you have any questions about visiting.

Help with the cost of your visit

If you get certain benefits or have an NHS health certificate, you might be able to get help with the costs of your visit , including:

• travel to Wormwood Scrubs
• somewhere to stay overnight

How to book family and friends visits

You can book your visit online or by telephone.

Telephone booking and information line: 0300 060 6511 Find out about call charges

The booking line is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Visiting times

Visitors arriving more than half an hour late will not be admitted.

• Monday: A wing 9:30am to 11am and 2:30pm to 4pm
• Tuesday: B wing 9:30am to 11am
• Wednesday: C wing 9:30am to 11am and 2:30pm to 4pm
• Thursday: D wing 9:30am to 11am and 2:30pm to 4pm
• Friday: E wing 9:30am to 11am

D and E wing visits on the following dates (Saturdays only):

• February: 3, 17
• March: 2, 16

D wing: 9am to 11am E wing: 2pm to 4pm

A and B wing visits on the following dates (Saturdays only):

• February: 10, 24
• March: 9, 23

A wing: 9am to 11am B wing: 2pm to 4pm

C wing visits on the following dates (Sundays only): 2pm to 4pm

• February: 11, 25
• March: 10, 24

Family development day sessions on the following dates (Sundays only): 2pm to 4pm

• February: 4, 18
• March: 3, 17

If you have any issues regarding your visit, please email [email protected]

Please be advised that this email address is for issues and queries, and we aim to respond to you within 3 working days.

How to book legal and professional visits

Legal visits can take place at an open table or a closed booth, face to face or via video link.

Face To Face

• Monday to Friday: 9am to 9:55am, 10:05am to 11am, 2pm to 2:55pm and 3:05pm to 4pm

Booking via email: [email protected]

Booking via phone: 0300 060 6511

Double sessions can be booked if you would like to utilise 2-hour slots, but we ask that you only book a double session if needed.

Video Links

• Mondays to Fridays: (1 hour sessions) 9am to 10am, 10am to 11am, 2pm to 3pm or 3pm to 4pm

2 hour session:

• 9am to 11am

Booking via email: [email protected]

There needs to be 2 working days notice before any bookings or amendments are made.

Getting to Wormwood Scrubs

Find Wormwood Scrubs on a map

Wormwood Scrubs is a 10-minute walk from East Acton underground station. The closest mainline railway station is London Paddington. Several local bus routes pass the prison.

To plan your journey by public transport:

• use Transport for London journey planner
• use National Rail Enquiries

If coming by car, you can park outside the prison. You will need to pay and display at certain times during the week. Check times and prices on the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham website .

There is no visitor parking in the prison.

Entering Wormwood Scrubs

All visitors, aged 16 or older must prove their identity before entering the prison. Read the list of acceptable forms of ID when visiting a prison .

All visitors will need to be given a pat-down search, including children. You may also be sniffed by security dogs.

Wormwood Scrubs has clothing requirements that must be adhered to for security reasons. Please be advised that these have been updated recently:

• No damaged or ripped clothing (irrespective of design)
• No revealing clothing
• Skirts and shorts must be longer than mid-thigh
• Midriff not visible
• No underwear showing
• Cleavage must not be excessively visible
• No clothing with covert pockets, (or anything by the brand “Hoodrich”)
• No hooded clothing

There are currently no refreshments available to purchase in the visits hall.

There are strict controls on what you can take into Wormwood Scrubs. You will have to leave most of the things you have with you in a locker or with security, including pushchairs and car seats.

You will be told the rules by an officer at the start of your visit. If you break the rules, your visit could be cancelled and you could be banned from visiting again.

Visiting facilities

There is a visitors centre run by the Prison Advice and Care Trust (PACT) charity.

The centre is open:

• Monday to Thursday, 8am to 5pm
• Friday 8am to 1pm
• Saturday 8am to 5pm
• Sunday 1pm to 5pm

Email: [email protected] Telephone: 020 8735 0595 Find out about call charges

Family Development Sessions

A Family Development Session is held on alternating Sunday afternoons on a wing-by-wing basis. This session may include family days, children’s visits, homework clubs and other initiatives.

Keep in touch with someone at Wormwood Scrubs

There are several ways you can keep in touch with a prisoner during their time at Wormwood Scrubs.

Secure video calls

To have a secure video call with someone in this prison you need to:

• Download the Prison Video app
• Create an account
• Register all visitors
• Add the prisoner to your contact list.

How to book a secure video call

Secure video calls at this prison can be requested by prisoners only.

You will receive a notification if a prisoner has requested a video call with you.

Read more about how it works

Phone calls

Prisoners have access to in-cell and landing phones for making outgoing calls to preapproved phone numbers only.

They can phone anyone named on their list of friends and family. This list is checked by security when they first arrive so it may take a few days before they are able to call.

You can also exchange voicemails using the Prison Voicemail service .

Officers may listen to phone calls as a way of preventing crime and helping keep people safe.

You can send emails to someone in Wormwood Scrubs using the Email a Prisoner service .

You might also be able to attach photos and receive replies from the prisoner, depending on the rules at Wormwood Scrubs.

You can write at any time.

Include the person’s name and prisoner number on the envelope.

If you do not know their prisoner number, you can use the Find a prisoner - GOV.UK service online.

All post, apart from legal letters, will be opened and checked by officers.

Send money and gifts

You can use the free and fast online service to send money to someone in prison .

You can no longer send money by bank transfer, cheque, postal order or send cash by post.

If you cannot use the online service, you may be able to apply for an exemption - for example if you:

• are unable to use a computer, a smart phone or the internet
• do not have a debit card

This will allow you to send money by post.

Gifts and parcels

Prisoners are given a list of approved items that can be sent to them as gifts. Contact Wormwood Scrubs for more information on what’s allowed.

Family and friends are strongly advised to use Parcelforce to send parcels in to prisoners to ensure successful delivery. Parcelforce are reliably able to comply with the prison’s local security requirements for receiving parcels. Whilst other couriers may be used, if they cannot comply with the prison requirements parcels this can lead to delays or parcels being returned.

Make sure to include the person’s name and prisoner number on the parcel.

All parcels will be opened and checked by officers.

Friends and families of prisoners are permitted to send books directly to their loved ones, or can order books from approved retailers, which can source and send the books on to prisoners.   For the full list of approved retailers, you can read the HMPPS Incentives Policy, Annex F .

Life at Wormwood Scrubs

Wormwood Scrubs is committed to providing a safe and educational environment where prisoners can learn new skills to help them on release.

Security and safeguarding

Every person at Wormwood Scrubs has a right to feel safe. The staff are responsible for their safeguarding and welfare at all times.

For further information about what to do when you are worried or concerned about someone in prison visit the Prisoners’ Families helpline website .

Arrival and first night

When a prisoner first arrives at Wormwood Scrubs, they will be able to contact a family member by phone. This could be quite late in the evening, depending on the time they arrive.

They will get to speak to someone at the prison who will check how they’re feeling and ask about any immediate health and wellbeing needs.

Each person who arrives at Wormwood Scrubs gets an induction that lasts about a week. They will meet professionals who will help them with:

• health and wellbeing, including mental and sexual health
• any substance misuse issues, including drugs and alcohol
• personal development in custody and on release, including skills, education and training
• other support (sometimes called ‘interventions’), such as managing difficult emotions

Everyone also finds out about the rules, fire safety, and how things like calls and visits work.

Accommodation

There are around 1,200 prisoners at Wormwood Scrubs in a mixture of single and shared cells. There are 5 main wings (A to E) plus a number of smaller specialist units.

Facilities include book rooms on all wings and a fully equipped gym.

Wormwood Scrubs Prison has a diverse, multi-faith chaplaincy team providing support to prisoners.

Education and work

Prisoners can choose from a broad range of learning opportunities, including:

• information and communication technology (ICT)
• english for speakers of other languages (ESOL)
• customer service
• rail-track laying

There are several contract workshops at Wormwood Scrubs where prisoners can gain work experience and qualifications, including industrial cleaning, laundry, and textiles.

Support for family and friends

Contact point for families & significant others: [email protected] .

Find out about  advice and helplines for family and friends .

Concerns, problems and complaints

In an emergency.

Call 020 8588 3200 if you think a prisoner is at immediate risk of harm. Ask for the Orderly Officer and explain that your concern is an emergency.

Problems and complaints

If you have a problem contact Wormwood Scrubs .

Independent inspections

HM Prison and Probation Service publishes action plans for Wormwood Scrubs in response to independent inspections.

Contact Wormwood Scrubs

Governor: Amy Frost

Telephone: 020 8588 3200 Fax: 020 8588 3201 Find out about call charges

HMP Wormwood Scrubs PO Box 757 Du Cane Road London W12 0AE

Updated weekend visiting times running from Nov to Feb.

Weekend visits calrified with new date from Nov to Feb.

Update to the out of hours safer custody phone number.

Secure video calls update.

Updated visiting information

Updated visiting guidance based on 1 April COVID rule changes

Added link to new safer custody information under Security and safeguarding.

Updated visiting information: Reduced visit schedule and testing for visitors aged 12 and over.

Updated visiting information: Testing for visitors aged 12 and over.

New visiting times and booking information added.

Visits update

Updated visiting information in line with new local restriction tiers.

Updated visiting information in line with coronavirus restrictions.

Added confirmation of secure video calls made available at this prison.

Updated governor name

First published.

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A tour of the jail within a jail that houses Britain's most dangerous convicts

Mark hughes is the first newspaper journalist to be allowed inside belmarsh's high security unit, article bookmarked.

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Cell 12 on wing three is about 6ft wide by 10ft long. A small window covered by wire mesh offers the dull view of a wall outside. There is a small television on a plastic desk in one corner and a metal toilet in the other.

Only the long, specially-adapted, lever tap handles give any indication as to the identity of the occupant. For the past six years this has been "home" to Abu Hamza, the notorious Muslim cleric. He is one of just nine prisoners held in Britain's most secure prison.

Holding the country's most dangerous criminals, HMP Belmarsh's High Security Unit (HSU) is a prison within-a-prison. And, until now, almost nothing has been known about it. Even within the main jail, most of the 843 prisoners have no idea what goes on inside.

But this week The Independent became the first newspaper to be granted full access to the HSU and allowed to speak to the men whose job it is to guard the country's most dangerous criminals. We saw the cramped living conditions and tedious regimes that men such as the 21/7 bombers and Bilal Abdullah, the man behind the Glasgow Airport attack, have experienced.

To get inside the main prison I had already negotiated 15 gated doors and had my fingerprints scanned. On arrival at the HSU – a windowless, grey concrete building opposite the prison's recently-built five-a-side football pitch – the security checks began again.

Surrounded by CCTV cameras in a small carpeted reception area – the only carpet in the block – I removed my shoes and belt and put all my belongings through an X-ray machine. I walked through a metal detector and a was given a body search – the lining of my jeans, the soles of my feet and inside my mouth were all checked.

This security is not just for visitors – the prison guards must go through the same search before they enter.

At the end of the reception area is a red iron gate. Passing through this door involves at least a four-minute wait, as it can only be unlocked by staff in the control room who check people's identity using remote cameras which zoom in to study their faces.

Once through you are faced with four more doors, each leading to a different part of the unit. No two doors in the unit can be opened at the same time.

The HSU is on two floors and is split into four "spurs". Each one has 12 single-occupancy cells. Built alongside the main prison in 1991, the HSU was originally used almost exclusively to house IRA prisoners. But since then it has held KGB agents, al-Qa'ida terrorists and even Charles Bronson – Britain's most violent prisoner – who had a whole spur to himself.

But while Bronson was deemed too dangerous to mix with others, the men currently held in the HSU are not there because of any physical risk they pose. For the most part it is their notoriety which earns them a place there.

"We get a lot of high-profile prisoners, and prisoners who have the means and capacity to escape," one of the the HSU managers explained. "The type of prisoner we have here is a lot different to the type of prisoner in the normal prison. The prisoners here have the means and ability to achieve the results prisoners somewhere else would not."

That applies to Curtis Warren, who is currently being held in the HSU. He is a gangster, a drug trafficker and was once Interpol's most wanted man.

The fear around Warren, a powerful and influential criminal on the outside, is that he would be both of these things inside the prison were he to mix with other prisoners. And, despite the fact that Belmarsh has never had a prisoner escape in its 19-year history, he would also be a possible escape risk.

A different fear exists around Abu Hamza: that he would use his preaching to radicalise other Muslim inmates. He cannot do that from the confines of the HSU. Indeed, he cannot do much.

The prisoners here have a similar regime to the inmates in the main prison except that they are not allowed to work – prison jobs include packing teabags and cleaning.

They are in their cell for 12 hours and out for 12. The day starts at 8.10am. They are given 20 minutes for breakfast, an hour of outdoor exercise, an hour to use the gym and have to clean the wing for half-an-hour a day. The rest of the time spent out of their cell – five hours – is "association" time.

During this period they can chat to one another, play pool or table football, watch television, or use the rowing machine or exercise bike which sit on the wing. There is also a laundry and a small shower cubicle.

While it may not sound a particularly taxing regime, it is far from stimulating. And it is certainly not the holiday camp which some commentators would have you believe. The area is desperately cramped and uncomfortably warm. During their five hours of association, the HSU prisoners cannot leave the confines of their spur.

The only outside areas are two surprisingly large exercise yards, surrounded by high fences topped with barbed wire and metal mesh for a roof.

Passing one yard I saw two men slowly pacing around the perimeter. They were being watched by four prison guards. At that moment an alarm went off. Unlike the perception most people have of a prison, it was not an audible siren but a coded message via the guard's radio. We were told we were not allowed to move. As we watched the two men exercise, one of them shared a joke with a guard.

It was at this point an officer warned me that those men, despite already being in the HSU, had been categorised as "exceptional risk" prisoners and were not allowed to mix with anyone except each other. He added: "Those two men are two of the most powerful people in prison in the whole of Europe."

If the HSU sounds like an additional punishment, it is not meant to be. In fact the prison has gone to surprising lengths to keep its most dangerous men happy. Abu Hamza's disability, the fact that he has no hands (he is not allowed his hook in prison), has been catered for. Two cells in the HSU have been kitted out with special taps, shelves and clothes pegs.

Staff are warned against becoming too friendly with the inmates. Officers on the HSU are only allowed to work there for three years before being moved back to the main prison. They are also warned against sharing any personal details with the prisoners.

It is for this reason that the HSU manager asks for his first name not be be published. Senior officer Murray explained: "Our staff here are trained to spot manipulation and conditioning. We don't like staff to become over-friendly because it can get to the point where a prisoner has a member of staff in his pocket and can manipulate him for favours or telephone calls."

Precautions are taken to ensure that prisoners cannot hide anything in their cell. Every few months men are moved to a different cell and the cells are searched. This is why Hamza has two.

The day I visit, everything is calm in the HSU. Inmates, in their prison-issue, maroon jogging-bottoms, use the gym under the watch of the guards.

But it is not always like this. The prison governor Phil Wragg recalls an incident where the HSU inmates refused to return to their cells and had to be forcibly restrained. But he dismisses a newspaper story which suggested that al-Qa'ida had taken over the HSU and that the prisoners have been radicalised.

Misbehaviour in the HSU is dealt with by punishment in the form of the segregation unit, where prisoners must spend 23 hours a day in their cell. And if an inmate is particularly troublesome, he will go in "the box": a room with nothing inside it except a perspex window.

Due to its added security and smaller prisoner numbers, the safety record of the HSU is better than the main prison. There has been one accidental death – where a bag of drugs burst inside a prisoner – and one incident where an IRA prisoner attempted to slit his throat.

But, unlike the main prison, where there have been three suicides in the past three months, no one has ever killed themselves in the HSU.

And, despite the differing crimes of the men in the HSU, Murray says that the atmosphere is generally good. "Prisoners over here have to get on because it is such a closed environment," he said. "You would be surprised at who gets on with who. There are no gang or religious affiliations. Muslim prisoners and non-Muslim prisoners get on very well.

"And from my experience prisoners going from here back into the main jail hate it. In the main jail, prisoners do not have the same amount of contact with the staff. Also for many of them it gives them kudos to be over here."

While the prison staff are careful not to discuss the identities of current inmates, they enjoy name-dropping previous prisoners: "I remember when I heard Charlie Bronson banging on his cell door..." and, "When I first met Ian Huntley..." are the beginnings of of two tales I heard.

And they are honest enough to admit that even they are intrigued by the men they look after. Senior officer Jason Hancock explained: "There are evenings when I will be watching the news and hear about a load of terrorist arrests and, because of the type of prisoner we look after, I think to myself: 'I'll be seeing them in the morning'.

"And I have been known to go home and tell my wife: 'Guess who I bumped into today...' But there are many shocking things that we see that we do not go home and tell our friends and families about.

"A lot of things stay within the prison and the officers have their own coping mechanisms. Some of us tell jokes about things because we don't like to admit that something has affected us more than we let on."

One of the most intriguing things about HMP Belmarsh is the unique "two-prison" set-up. Outside the HSU is a local prison with convicts on short-term sentences. Not only are the prisoners separated, but the guards' paths do not cross either. And in some ways the conditions in the main jail are worse than those in the HSU.

John Steadman, a 40-year-old convicted cocaine dealer, is 15 months into a five-year sentence. He is sitting in his cell watching television when I visit.

"Prison is boring and repetitive," he says. "This is my first sentence and definitely my last. Yes we get to watch television and play pool, but those things are just something to kill the time with. You could put a sauna and a sunbed in here and I'd still rather be outside."

It is not just the prisoners who have complaints; the guards often mention the low levels of staffing – there are just over 400 officers on rotating shifts and they are acutely aware that they are always vastly outnumbered by the prisoners. They also have to deal with drugs and mobile phones being smuggled into the prison. This is particularly annoying due to the fact that many are brought in by corrupt guards.

Despite this, Phil Wragg, the governor, is happy with his prison. "This is the best command in the prison service," he tells me. "We have the highest security and the most resources. It is also the most expensive prison to run.

"Yes, it has a bad name, but we do a good job. It has a bad name for all the wrong reasons. It has a bad name because people write things about it who, frankly, are not qualified to do so. And it is certainly not a holiday camp."

It doesn't look like one either. And obviously the prisoners inside agree. As I leave the prison I walk past guards with dogs and an exercise yard full of prisoners who press their faces against the wire fences. One shouts out to me. "Let me tell you lad," he says, nodding towards the gate and the outside world, "You are a very lucky man."

Belmarsh's most notorious prisoners

Extremist cleric who lost his hands in an explosion. On remand pending extradition request from the US.

Waheed Zaman

A relatively new arrival to Belmarsh, he was convicted of plotting to bomb a transatlantic flight.

Curtis Warren

One of Britain's most dangerous gangsters, Warren is currently serving 13 years for smuggling drugs.

Charles Bronson

Dubbed Britain's most violent prisoner, Bronson once had an entire wing of Belmarsh HSU to himself.

Ian Huntley

The Soham murderer was held in Belmarsh's high security unit before his trial and conviction in 2005.

Kenneth Noye

Road rage killer who fled to Spain after stabbing Stephen Cameron, 21, in Swanley, Kent, in 1996.

Ronnie Biggs

Spent 36 years on the run and then eight in Belmarsh. Released last summer on compassionate grounds.

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Guide to view your disclosure @ HMP Belmarsh

Guide to view your disclosure discs with your, client on a booked legal visit.

You can copy your discs on to your own laptop as long as your laptop has been authorized by the Access to Justice Department. Your laptop must NOT have a Webcam, and once authorized your laptop will be valid for 3 months from the signed date. You need to fax a new copy of the laptop request form each time it runs out.

If you don’t have an authorized laptop then you will need to send your discs in to the Access to Justice Department at least 72 hours prior to your booked Legal Visit. If you need a laptop to view your discs then you MUST request in writing to loan one of our Section 45 Laptops for your visit. You must include the following information on your letter:

A Headed letter with your client’s name & prison number.

The date of your booked confirmed visit (if you have more than 1 visit booked & confirmed then you can request these dates on 1 letter).

The amount of discs you have sent.

The Exhibit titles of each of your discs

If you need to loan one of our laptops then you must ask to request a Section 45 Laptop in your letter.

YOU NEED TO DO THE ABOVE EACH TIME YOU REQUEST ANY NEW CONFIRMED BOOKED DATES TO VIEW YOUR DISCS, THIS IS SO WE ARE AVAILABLE TO HAND YOUR DISCS TO THE VISITS STAFF FOR YOUR VISIT.

If you need a DVD Player to view your discs then you can request this on your legal visit booking form that you receive from the Legal Booking Office in the Enrolment Centre but you must still send your discs in with above information.

We will fax you a letter of authorization once we have received your request and discs. If you don’t receive an authorization letter from Access to Justice then we may not have received your discs, you can ring a few days before your visit to enquire if we have received your discs, and this is your responsibility.

Please send your discs in by Special Delivery or Recorded delivery as it will be quicker, the post does not come straight to our office but goes through prison postal procedures before being delivered to our office. The Post Room is closed at weekends, and the post takes longer on bank holidays.

YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO BRING LEGAL DISCS INTO THE PRISON UNLESS YOU HAVE WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THE PRISON.

General Information, HMP Belmarsh

Belmarsh Prison opened almost 25 years ago and was the first adult prison to be built in London since Wormwood Scrubs in 1874. The bulk of the prison is on a large site surrounded by a perimeter wall about 1 mile long.

Accommodation  

The prison has 4 house blocks, each 3 storey and each with 3 spurs. Each spur contains 42 single and double cells.

• House block 1 – 174 older prisoners, life sentence and mixed population.
• House block 2 – 174 on short sentences, remands and mixed population.
• House block 3 – 174 on first night centre/induction and remand prisoners.
• House block 4 – 171 on vulnerable prisoners spur and mixed population.
• High secure unit (HSU) – a self-contained unit holding up to 47 prisoners who require a high level of security (including a small discrete segregation unit for HSU prisoners only).
• Segregation unit – holding up to 16 prisoners serving periods of punishment or needing to be separated from others. It also contains two designated prison rule 46 cells used for the temporary management of close supervision centre (CSC) system.
• Health care inpatients – a 33-bed inpatient facility
• Return to Belmarsh

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Watch Welcome To HMP Belmarsh

Welcome to HMP Belmarsh is an intense and captivating documentary series that gives the audience unprecedented insights into the inner workings of a maximum-security prison. Located south-east of London, Belmarsh is one of England's most notorious jails, housing some of the country's most dangerous and high-profile criminals.

Over the course of five episodes, the series delves deep into the lives of both inmates and staff members, exploring the complex and often fraught relationships that exist within the prison walls. Through a combination of interviews, fly-on-the-wall footage, and expert analysis, Welcome to HMP Belmarsh paints a vivid and compelling picture of life inside.

The first episode sets the scene, introducing viewers to the prison and the people who inhabit it. We meet senior staff members, including Governor Neil Barclay, as well as prisoners like Ahmed, who has been incarcerated at Belmarsh for six years. Ahmed's story is particularly poignant - he was just 17 when he was convicted of murder, and has spent his entire adult life behind bars.

As the series progresses, we learn more about the daily routines and challenges faced by both inmates and staff. One episode focuses on the mental health unit at Belmarsh, which houses some of the prison's most vulnerable and fragile residents. Another explores the role of the "wing reps" - prisoners who have been elected to represent their fellow inmates and liaise with staff.

Perhaps most compelling, however, are the personal stories of the individuals who feature in the series. We meet Debbie, a member of the Healthcare Team who has worked at Belmarsh for over two decades. Debbie's compassion and dedication are evident in every scene, as she tends to the needs of sick and injured inmates.

Then there's Michael, a lifer who has been locked up for decades. He speaks candidly about the mistakes he's made and the toll that prison has taken on his mental health. Despite his lengthy sentence, Michael remains hopeful and determined to turn his life around.

As the series draws to a close, tensions rise as the prison prepares for a visit from a high-profile VIP - US President Barack Obama. Staff members work tirelessly to ensure that the visit goes smoothly, while inmates are kept on edge by the heightened security measures.

Overall, Welcome to HMP Belmarsh is a masterfully crafted documentary series that offers a rare glimpse into a world that is usually hidden from view. Despite the challenging subject matter, there are moments of humor and humanity throughout, making it a truly compelling watch. Whether you're interested in the criminal justice system or simply enjoy gripping documentaries, this series is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Welcome To HMP Belmarsh is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (2 episodes). The series first aired on January 9, 2020.

• Channel IMDb Freedive
• Premiere Date January 9, 2020

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Announcements

E-newspapers, young reporter, people are leaving tripadvisor-style reviews for belmarsh and thameside prisons online, belmarsh prison and thameside prison have their own tripadvisor-style reviews.

Reviews online have become an excellent way to judge whether you should visit somewhere, be it a restaurant or a tourist attraction.

Sometimes though you might use it if you are being forced to go somewhere and wanted to see what it was like before you get there.

Thankfully for people who are going to one of the two major prisons in Woolwich and Thamesmead, namely HMP Thameside and HMP Belmarsh, helpful people have been leaving TripAdvisor-style reviews for the prisons online.

Among the reviews on Facebook HMP Belmarsh, a maximum security prison housing some of the most dangerous criminals in the UK, is one critique by Richard Hornby, who was less than impressed by the service in the prison.

Giving the venue one star, he wrote: “Food was very poor, beds lumpy and no central heating on at night, good rates though.”

Barrow Lowden was slightly more impressed, writing: “Furniture was slightly damaged and it could have done with a lick of paint but all aside not too bad.

“Very warm welcome by the staff, showed to my room which I must say was a surprise to find it occupied by 2 other guest.

“We had some noisy guests though at a neighbouring room but the staff must of dealt with it as I see them charging in with their batons raised.”

Other reviews left on Google were harsh as well, with one review criticising it for the lack of previously advertised marmalade butties.

Tom Nel wrote: “The beds were okay and the food was served punctually. My bunk mate, two-eyes Larry, kept me good company, and only tried to strangle me in my sleep once.”

For HMP Thameside, Matt Green’s review was at least impressed by the food. He wrote: “I made some nice friends there too and the chocolate cake and mint custard was to die for (no pun intended).”

In short, most of the reviews are perhaps by people who quite possibly never attended the prison, although you do get the occasional review from someone that sounds rather more authentic.

One anonymous review of HMP Thameside on Google said: “Funny watching you babies at Belmarsh cry best bit of the yard. Hilarious, bit annoying but well funny.”

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