Ministry Of Justice
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Book and plan your visit to Hewell
To visit someone in Hewell you must:
- be on that persons visitor list
- book your visit in advance
- have the required ID with you when you go
At least one visitor must be 18 or older at every visit.
There is a limit to the number of visits a prisoner can have which varies by prisoner. You can check this with Hewell.
Contact Hewell 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 Hewell
- somewhere to stay overnight
- meals
How to book family and friends visits
You can book your visit online, by email to visitsbooking.westmidlands@justice.gov.uk or by telephone.
Telephone booking line: 0300 060 6503
Find out about call charges
The booking line is open:
- Monday, Wednesday and Friday: midday to 5pm
- Tuesday and Thursday: 9am to 5pm
Visiting times:
- Monday: 1:15pm to 4pm
- Wednesday: 1:15pm to 4pm
- Friday: 8:45am to 11am
- Saturday: 8:45am to 11am
- Sunday: 8:45am to 11am
How to book legal and professional visits
To book a visit, email: hmppsvisitbooking@justice.gov.uk or you can book by telephone.
Booking line: 0300 060 6503
Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm
Find out about call charges
Visiting times
- Monday to Friday: 9am to 11:30am and 2pm to 4:30pm.
To arrange a prison video link, you must call.
Telephone: 01527 785 309
Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm
Find out about call charges
Video link appointment times are Monday to Friday, 9am to 11:30am and 2pm to 4:30pm.
Getting to Hewell
Hewell is about 3 miles from Redditch station, where you can catch a local bus to Tardebigge. The bus drops you off about a mile from the prison. Alternatively, you can take a taxi.
To plan your journey by public transport:
If coming by car, use the postcode B97 6QQ for sat nav.
There is a visitors car park outside the prison, including space for Blue Badge holders.
Entering Hewell
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.
Hewell has a family-friendly dress code policy which means visitors should dress appropriately. You may be turned away if you are wearing see-through or revealing clothing like vests, low-cut tops or high-cut shorts or dresses. Additionally, you cannot wear hoodies or anything with offensive patterns or slogans.
Each adult visitor is allowed to take in a maximum of 20 in coins (notes are not allowed). The money can be used to buy food and drink from the snack bar in the visiting hall.
There are strict controls on what you can take into Hewell. You will have to leave most of the things you have with you in a locker or with security. This includes pushchairs and car seats. A pushchair can be provided by Hewell if required.
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 Barnardos. Family and friends can relax, buy refreshments and get advice and support from the staff.
The centre includes a play area for children.
The centre is open Monday to Saturday from 8am to 5pm and on Sunday from midday to 5pm.
Family days
There are currently no family days being run.
Keep in touch with someone at Hewell
There are several ways you can keep in touch with someone during their time at Hewell.
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.
Phone calls
Prisoners do not have phones in their cells so they will always have to call you. They have to buy phone credits to do this.
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 Hewell using the Email a Prisoner service.
You might also be able to attach photos and receive replies, depending on the rules at Hewell.
Letters
You can write at any time.
Include the persons name and prisoner number on the envelope.
If you do not know their prisoner number, contact Hewell.
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 can apply to the governor for permission to receive a parcel of clothing when they first arrive at Hewell. Otherwise, property is generally not permitted to be posted or handed in. You can send prisoners money instead which they can use to buy items through a catalogue system.
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 Hewell
Hewell is committed to providing a safe and educational environment where prisoners can learn new skills to help them on release.
Security and safeguarding
Every prisoner at Hewell 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