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Keep in touch with someone at Isle of Wight

There are several ways you can keep in touch with a prisoner during their time at Isle of Wight.

Secure video calls

Secure video calling is available at this prison. Family and friends will need to download the Prison Video app, create an account, register all visitors and add the prisoner to their contact list.

Read more about how it works

Phone calls

Prisoners have phones in their rooms but the phones do not accept incoming calls. They will always have to call you and need to buy phone credit to do this.

They can phone anyone named on their list of friends and family between the hours of 7am and 10pm. 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 to keep the public and prisoners safe.

Email

You can send emails to someone in Isle of Wight 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 Isle of Wight.

Letters

You can write at any time but you must include your name and address within the letter. Anonymous letters are not allowed.

Write the prisoners full name and prisoner number (if known) on the envelope.

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

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 small list of items that can be sent in to them. They need written approval beforehand.

Once this approval has been given, make sure to include the prisoners name and number on the parcel.

All parcels will be opened, checked and X-rayed 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 Isle of Wight

Isle of Wight is committed to providing a safe, secure and decent rehabilitative environment where men can learn new skills to help them in custody and on release.

Security and safeguarding

Every person at Isle of Wight has a right to feel safe.

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

The staff are responsible for prisoners safeguarding and welfare, and the Governor is ultimately responsible for staff and prisoners at all times.

All safeguarding processes are overseen by the Isle of Wight Safeguarding Adults Board.

Arrival and first night

When a prisoner first arrives at Isle of Wight, and their pin phone account is activated, they will be able to call a family member. This call could be quite late in the evening, depending on the time they arrive.

If they cant make the call, staff will make contact on their behalf.

The prisoner will also get to speak to someone who will check how theyre feeling and ask about any immediate health and wellbeing needs.

Induction

Each person who arrives at Isle of Wight gets an induction that lasts about 2 weeks. 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 and risk reduction

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

Accommodation

There are over 1000 men at the Isle of Wight prison, housed in a mixture of single and double rooms.

It consists of 2 former prisons (HMP Parkhurst and HMP Albany). On the Albany site, there are 7 wings and on Parkhurst there are 8.

Both sites have healthcare units, a gym and pastoral care.

Education and work

The prison provides a number of courses for men convicted of sex offences.

Milton Keynes College offers a wide range of education, including degree courses and vocational training.

Prisoners can work in wood mills, textile shops, print shops, gardens and waste workshops.

Organisations Isle of Wight works with

There is support, education and help at the prison from:

• Barnardos
• Good Vibrations
• Changing Tunes
• Milton Keynes College
• Isle of Wight council
• Story Book Dads
• Shannon Trust
• Open University
• Prison Education Trust
• Care UK healthcare
• DARTS

Support for family and friends

Find out about advice and helplines for family and friends.

Barnardos offers further support, if needed.

Problems and complaints

If you have a problem contact Isle of Wight.

HM Prison and Probation Service publishes action plans for Isle of Wight in response to independent inspections.

Contact Isle of Wight

Governor: Doug Graham

Telephone: 01983 634 000
24 hours
Fax: 01983 556 362
Find out about call charges

Email: secretariat.hmpisleofwight@hmps.gsi.gov.uk

Follow Isle of Wight on Twitter

Address

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Safer custody hotline

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a man in Isle of Wight, call the safer custody hotline which is checked regularly each day.

Telephone: 0800 496 1125
Find out about call charges

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