Prisoners’ Family Services

Visitors Centre, HMP Bure, Jaguar Drive, Badersfield, Norfolk, NR10 5GB

01603 326252

Email: hmpbure@ormistonfamilies.org.uk

Visiting Times

Please Note; HMP Visiting Times are subject to change, sometimes at short notice. Please refer to  https://www.gov.uk/prison-visits  or contact our visitor centre if unsure

Getting here

By bus: A subsidised bus service is provided from the bus and train stations in Norwich to get you to HMP Bure. Please telephone 01603 326252 to book a seat.

By train: The closest train station is Norwich, which is 14 miles from Bure Prison. From the train station, travel can be arranged to the station by bus (see above), or taxi.

By car: Use postcode NR10 5JL in your sat nav. This will take you to the end of the prison drive, where you will see signs to HMP Bure.

Parking

Parking is available at the prison, including spaces for Blue Badge holders.

Disabled access

The visitors centre is wheelchair accessible.

If you are concerned about someone in HMP Bure you can contact the Safer Custody Team on the number below.

01603 326012

For the latest information on the booking in process for visits during this pandemic please see here.

The Ormiston Families team is based in a bright and welcoming visitors’ centre just outside the perimeter walls of the prison. We provide support, information and a personal welcome to help visitors access the available services.

How do I book a visit to HMP Chelmsford’s Visitors’ Centre?

All visitors to HMP Chelmsford must book their visit in advance. Visits can be booked online here or by calling the visits booking line on 01245 552265 or 01245 552240. This line is open Monday to Friday 08:15 – 11:00 and 12:30 – 15:30. There is no booking line service on Bank Holidays.

Visiting times

• Monday – Thursday: 14:15 – 15:45
• Saturday: 9:30-11:00 and 14:15 – 15:45
• Sunday: 14:15 – 15:45

You cannot arrive later than 14:55 on afternoon visits and 09:55 morning visits as you will NOT be permitted entry.

Remember to bring ID with you!

How do I get to HMP Chelmsford Visitors’ Centre?

Visitors’ Centre
HMP Chelmsford
200 Springfield Road
Chelmsford
CM2 6LQ

You can get to HMP Chelmsford’s Visitors’ Centre by car or public transport.

There is disabled access to the centre and the prison. Please inform staff of any additional needs prior to arrival. You can contact the visitors’ centre on 01245 552452 or hmpchelmsford@ormistonfamilies.org.uk.

By car
There are two disabled parking bays available outside the prison entrance for visitors. These can only be used by visitors who have an official Blue Badge disabled parking permit.

For other visitors, the nearest public car park is Riverside Ice and Leisure on Victoria Road, a five-minute walk from the prison.

By public transport

Train: Direct trains from Liverpool Street arrive at Chelmsford train station. There are taxis at the station or it is a 15-minute walk.

Walk: 15-minute walk from the railway station, follow the signposts.

Bus: you can catch a number 54 or 56 to and from the prison to Chelmsford railway station.

Local taxis: Fairway 01245 355 555  Happicabs 01245 443 443  Taxi Bus 01245 350 350.

Frequently asked questions about visiting HMP Chelmsford Visitors’ Centre

What am I allowed to bring with me on visits?
You will need to bring ID. Acceptable forms of ID for adults are: passport, driving licence, EC ID card, senior citizen public transport pass or citizen card.

If you cannot provide one of the above then you will need TWO different items from the following list:

• Birth/marriage certificate (showing current name)
• Bank statement (dated within the last three months)
• Young person’s proof of age card
• Utility bills (dates within the last six months)
• Medical card
• Paper driving licence.

The prison does not accept letters as a form of ID including police, benefits, solicitor, etc. Student ID cards are also not an acceptable form of ID.

You are allowed to bring £20 per Adult (without Children) and £30 per adult (with children) IN COINS ONLY you can change money at the tea bar in the visitors centre.

Visitors Dress Code: All visitors must be appropriately dressed, the visits hall is a family friendly environment. It is not acceptable for visitors to show excessive flesh. There is to be no ripped clothing (ripped jeans). Skirts/dresses/shorts should be just above the knee or longer (no miniskirts or very short shorts). Upper garments should not be low cut and have no thin straps, males not to wear vest tops. No football tops/sports kits. No hooded tops or camouflaged clothing. Please note that you can only wear wedding or engagement rings and small studs inside the prison.

Please note:

• If you do not meet the dress code you will be refused entry.
• If you do not produce ID you will be refused entry.
• Anything else you bring with you will have to be stored in your locker until you leave.

What happens when I arrive at the Visitors’ Centre?

When you arrive at HMP Chelmsford, you will need to check in with our staff in the visitors’ centre, which is at the end of the main car park. Here you will be greeted by one of our volunteers, who will explain the procedure. Visitor centre staff will check your ID and sign you in for your visit.

Once checked in you can wait in the visitors’ centre until your number is called. Then you can make your way to the gate area.

All mobile phones and unauthorised items must be left in the visitors’ centre. There are secure lockers available for this with a £1 deposit.

Once inside the gate area, you will be asked again if you are carrying any unauthorised items. Before you are allowed through, a member of staff will search you. A sniffer dog will be there too. Once they know that you have not got anything unauthorised with you, you can enter the visits hall. You must then report to the Prison Officer at the desk.

What’s it like inside the visits hall?

Everyone is very friendly and helpful. There is a snacks bar providing hot and cold drinks and a variety of snacks and sweets. There is also a children’s play area, where activities are provided and the children can dip in and out of the area – but no food is allowed Although the area is staffed by volunteers, parents are responsible for their children at all times.

What if I feel worried about a prisoner?

Prison Service’ and Ormiston Families’ staff understand that prison can be a very difficult time, for both prisoners and their families. If you have any concerns about a prisoner at HMP Chelmsford, feel free to contact the Safer Custody team on 01245 552297. This is a confidential answer machine helpline for prisoners’ families and friends to make the prison aware of any concerns regarding bullying, intimidation, suicide or self-harm. When leaving a message be sure to give the name and prison number of the person you are concerned about. These messages are checked daily. Please note: if your concerns are urgent, please speak to staff in the visitor’s centre or call the main switchboard on 01245 552 000.

Our services

• Children’s visits – special visits for fathers/step fathers or brothers (for young offenders who lived at home before going into prison) to spend valuable time playing and talking to their children (or brothers and sisters in the case of young offenders). One adult per family can accompany the children. Children must be 16 years old and under. The prisoner needs to apply for these visits.
• Family days – Are special visits for enhanced prisoners, these are designed for the whole family to help maintain family ties and sustain good relationships, the prisoner needs to apply for these visits.
• Parenting course – for dads or stepdads in prison.
• Play area – an area for children to play in whilst on their visit.

Concerns for a prisoner’s social care needs

If you have any concerns around the social care needs of someone in HMP Chelmsford, referrals can be made to Full Circle at FullCircleChelmsford@justice.gov.uk. A prisoner may be eligible for care act support if they have a physical disability, mental health need or a learning disability which means they need support with any of the following tasks; they need help getting washed, dressed, out of bed or using the toilet, they need help eating or collecting meals, or they are unable to get around the prison or in and out of their cell.

For the latest information on the booking in process for visits during this pandemic please see here.

The Ormiston Families team is based at HMP Whitemoor Visitors’ Centre. We provide support, information and a personal welcome to help visitors access available services.

How do I book a visit to HMP Whitemoor Visitors’ Centre?

All visitors to HMP Whitemoor must book their visit in advance. Visits can be booked online here or by calling 01354 602 800. This booking line is open 10:00 – 11:00 and 14:00 – 15:00 Monday to Friday.

Visiting times

• Social visits (A, B & C wings) Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday: 14:00 – 16:00
• Social visits (Fens Unit) Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday: 14:00 – 16:00
• Social visits (F wing) Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday: 14:00 – 16:00

The visitors’ centre opens from 12:15.

Remember to bring ID!

How do I get to HMP Whitemoor Visitors’ Centre?

Visitors’ Centre
HMP Whitemoor
Longhill Road
March
Cambridgeshire
PE15 0PR

You can get to the visitors’ centre by car or public transport.

You can contact the visitors’ centre on 01354 602 478 or hmpwhitemoor@ormistonfamilies.org.uk.

By car
The visitors’ car park is situated opposite the main entrance.

By public transport

Train: March railway station is approximately 1½ miles from Whitemoor. The nearest mainline station is Peterborough, with frequent connections to March. Taxis are available from March railway station.

Bus: The main bus station at Peterborough has frequent connections to March. Unfortunately, no buses stop at the prison and it is not on a bus route for drop off. Once you arrive by bus into March town centre then you would need to get a taxi to get to the prison.

Frequently asked questions about visiting HMP Whitemoor Visitors’ Centre

What am I allowed to bring with me on visits?

You will need to bring ID. Acceptable forms of ID for adults are: passport, driving licence, EC ID card, senior citizen public transport pass or citizen card.

If you cannot provide one of the above then you will need TWO different items from the following list:

• Birth/marriage certificate (showing current name)
• Bank statement (dated within the last three months)
• Young person’s proof of age card
• Utility bills (dates within the last six months)
• Medical card
• Paper driving licence.

The prison does not accept letters as a form of ID including police, benefits, solicitor, etc. Student ID cards are also not an acceptable form of ID.

Visitors who are under 18 years old need to bring either a birth certificate, red health book or a passport for ID.

Please note:

• If you do not produce ID you will be refused entry.
• Anything else you bring with you will have to be stored in your locker until you leave (a £1 deposit is needed for the locker key).

What happens when I arrive at the Visitors’ Centre?

When you arrive at HMP Whitemoor, you will need to check in with Ormiston Families’ staff in the visitors’ centre.  We will give you a friendly welcome and talk you through what to expect.

Once checked in you will be called after 1.15 to enrolments where they will check ID and take a thumbprint and a photo if it is your first visit or your appearance has changed. When the prison are ready you will be sent over in small groups for the searching process. All mobile phones and unauthorised articles must be left in our secure lockers.

Once inside the gate area, you will be asked again if you are carrying any unauthorised items. Before you are allowed through, a member of staff will search you. Once they know that you have not got anything unauthorised with you, you will be allowed across to the visits hall and given a table number. Sniffer dogs will also be present outside the visits hall.

What’s it like inside the visits hall?

Everyone is very friendly and helpful. There is a snack bar providing hot and cold drinks and a variety of snacks and sweets. There is also a play area for the children.

Please remember that your children are your responsibility at all times inside the prison and the visitors centre.

What if I feel worried about a prisoner?

Ormiston Families’ staff understand that prison can be a very difficult time, for both prisoners and their families. If you have any concerns about a prisoner at HMP Whitemoor, feel free to contact the Safer Custody team on 0800 496 2849 or speak to a member of staff at the visitors’ centre.

Our services

• Family visits – available on the first Saturday of every month with activities provided by play workers.
• Family liaison – information, guidance and support on a wide range of matters affecting prisoners’ families.

For the latest information on the booking in process for visits during this pandemic please see here.

The Ormiston Families team is based at HMP Hollesley Bay. We provide support, information and a personal welcome to help visitors access available services.

How do I book a visit?

All visitors to HMP Hollesley Bay must book their visit in advance. Visits can be booked online here, or by calling the visits booking line on 01394 412 400.

Visiting times

• Saturday: 14:00 -15:45
• Sunday: 14:00 -15:45

Remember to bring ID!

How do I get to HMP Hollesley Bay Visitors’ Centre?

Visitors’ Centre
HMP Hollesley Bay
Hollesley Bay Colony
Rectory Road, Hollesley
Woodbridge, Suffolk
IP12 3JW

You can get to HMP Hollesley Bay’s Visitors’ Centre by car, bus or train.

By public transport

Train: Ipswich is the nearest main line station. It is 17 miles from Hollesley Bay. You can catch connecting trains to Melton Station or Woodbridge Station from Ipswich.

Bus: Ipswich is the nearest main line station. It is 17 miles from Hollesley Bay. You can catch

Frequently asked questions about visiting HMP Hollesley Bay Visitors’ Centre

What am I allowed to bring with me on visits?
You will need to bring ID. Acceptable forms of ID for adults are: passport, driving licence, EC ID card, senior citizen public transport pass or citizen card.

If you cannot provide one of the above then you will need TWO different items from the following list:

• Birth/marriage certificate (showing current name)
• Bank statement (dated within the last three months)
• Young person’s proof of age card
• Utility bills (dates within the last six months)
• Medical card
• Paper driving licence.

The prison does not accept letters as a form of ID including police, benefits, solicitor, etc. Student ID cards are also not an acceptable form of ID.

Visitors who are under 18 years old need to bring either a birth certificate, red health book or a passport for ID.

Please note:

• If you do not produce ID you will be refused entry.
• Anything else you bring with you will have to be stored in your locker until you leave.

How should I dress for visits to the Visitors’ Centre?

Please do not wear football, team or blue striped shirts. Females should not wear revealing clothing or entrance may be denied. Ripped jeans are also banned.

What happens when I arrive at the Visitors’ Centre?

When you arrive at HMP Hollesley Bay, you will need to check in with Ormiston Families’ staff in the visitors’ centre.  We will give you a friendly welcome and talk you through what to expect.

Once checked in you will be given a coloured number card. When that number is called, you can swap the coloured card for a white card and make your way to the prison. All mobile phones and unauthorised items must be left in our secure lockers.

Once inside the prison there are stairs to the visits hall. A stair lift is available for people who cannot use the stairs, but needs to be booked in advance. Before you are allowed to enter the visits hall, you will be asked again if you are carrying any unauthorised items. A member of staff will search you. A sniffer dog will be there too. Once they know that you have not got anything unauthorised with you, you will be given your table number. You can then enter the visits hall and go to the table with the number on that you have been given.

What’s it like inside the visits hall?

Everyone is very friendly and helpful. There is a snack bar providing hot and cold drinks and a variety of hot food, snacks and sweets. There is also a play area where children can spend time with Ormiston Families’ play workers. Activities are provided and the children can dip in and out of the area – but no food is allowed.

Please remember that your children are your responsibility at all times inside the prison and the visitors centre.

What if I feel worried about a prisoner?

Prison Service’ and Ormiston Families’ staff understand that prison can be a very difficult time, for both prisoners and their families. If you have any concerns about a prisoner at HMP Littlehey, feel free to contact the Safer Custody team on 01234 373000 or speak to a member of staff at the visitors’ centre.

Our services

• Children’s visits- special visits for children on Wednesday mornings from 1:.00 until 12:00. These are booked by the prisoner and are for his children/grandchildren/ stepchildren under 16 years of age.
• Stories With Dad – prisoner dads can apply to record a story on to disc for their child(ren). This is open to dads, stepdads and granddads.
• Parenting courses- for dads or stepdads in prison.
• Craft box activity – for dads to send home a craft item in a box to his children.
• Family liaison- information, guidance and support on a wide range of matters affecting prisoners’ families.

Visitors Centre, HMP Norwich, Knox Road, Norwich, NR1 4LU

01603 702301

Email: hmpnorwich@ormistonfamilies.org.uk

Visiting Times

Please Note; HMP Visiting Times are subject to change, sometimes at short notice. Please refer to  https://www.gov.uk/prison-visits  or contact our visitor centre if unsure.

There is a cut off time for visitors at which point no visitor will be allowed to enter the prison. All visitors must have been searched and sat down in the hall by 10:30am in the mornings and by 2:30pm in the afternoons. Therefore, it is important to arrive at the Visitors Centre in good time for your visit and at the very latest 15 minutes after the visit start time.

The Visitors Centre opens one hour before every visit.

Booking Your Visit

You can visit someone either face-to-face or virtually via the Prison Video App.

All visits must be booked in advance.

Bookings can be made in one of three ways:

• Call the Booking Line on 01603 708790
• Email the Booking Line on norwich@justice.gov.uk
• Visit gov.uk/prison-visits to select the dates you wish to visit (face-to-face only).

The Booking Line is open:

Monday-Thursday      10:00–12:00          13:30–16:00

Fridays                          10:00–12:30           13:30–15:30.

All residents of HMP Norwich are allowed to receive three physical visits per calendar month. Enhanced prisoners are entitled to four physical visits per calendar month.

In addition, visitors can book more than one video visit per month, but only one at a time.

For all visits, whether virtual or in person, all visitors must be on the residents contact list.

Important Information about Booking Online (face-to-face only):

You will initially receive an acknowledgement email, however, you will be sent a further e-mail confirmation with the date and time of your visit.  Please allow at least 3 working days for this confirmation.  Do not assume your visit has been booked until you receive it and please be able to show the confirmation email when you arrive for your visit.

Take note if anyone has been UNAPPROVED to visit. Unapproved visitors will not be allowed in for a visit.

Getting Here

By bus: The No. 23/23a and 24/24a buses run regularly between the prison and Norwich bus station, Norwich train station and the city centre. Ask for the prison or Knox road.

By train: Regular trains to and from London Liverpool Street, Ipswich, Cambridge, Great Yarmouth, Sheringham and Lowestoft. From the train station, it takes approximately 20 minutes to walk to the prison. The walk is uphill. Alternatively, you can take a bus or taxi from the train station.

By car: From the A11, join the A47 towards Great Yarmouth. Take the exit marked A1042 towards Norwich N & E & Thorpe St Andrew. The prison is signposted from inner ring road and is situated off Plumstead Road.

Parking

Free parking is available at the prison. Please park in designated areas only.

Disabled access

The visitors centre is wheelchair accessible.

Identification

All visitors aged 16 years old or over must bring identification on every visit. Photographs of identification cannot be accepted.

Please see list of acceptable forms of identification here.

If you cannot meet the requirements for identification, authorisation may be sought to a Governor in advance of the visit. Any decision made will be considered on an individual basis. If you have any questions about ID, please contact the Visitors Centre on 01603 702301 or hmpnorwich@ormistonfamilies.org.uk

Refreshments

Ormiston Families deliver the refreshments for visits on behalf of HMP Norwich. Visitors order the refreshments for their visit at the Visitors Centre before their visit. Please note that there is a limit of £20 per visit and we can only accept cash at the Visitors Centre. We have no facility to accept payment by card.

Dress Code

HMP Norwich has a family-friendly dress code for visitors to help promote a safe and decent environment for everyone. Please note that part of that dress code involves no ripped clothing including ripped jeans, no smart watches, no short skirts without leggings and no hoodies. Visitors can wear coats and jackets through the search areas however all visitors will be obliged to hang their coats outside the visits halls so please dress appropriately for that as the temperature in the visits hall cannot be guaranteed.

Please see the attached document for the dress code in full.

If you have any questions about dress code, please contact the Visitors Centre on 01603 702301 or hmpnorwich@ormistonfamilies.org.uk

Children’s Visits

Ormiston Families run special Children’s Visits at HMP Norwich that take place in a specially designed play room. These visits are additional to the monthly visit entitlement.

Baby Bonding Visits

These visits allow families a chance to spend some precious, quality time with their new baby within the first three months of baby’s birth.

Family Days

Family Days take place at HMP Norwich in school holidays. They allow families more time together to play games and take part in activities.

StoryBook Dads

There is the opportunity for dads to make a recording of themselves reading their child’s favourite book. The child receives the DVD of their dad which they can watch again and again.

Please ask a member of Ormiston Families staff for more details about Children’s Visits, Baby Bonding Visits, Family Days and StoryBook Dads. Alternatively you can call 01603 702301 or email hmpnorwich@ormistonfamilies.org.uk

Safer Custody

If you are concerned about someone in HMP Norwich you can contact the Safer Custody Team on the number below.

01603 706387

Visitors Centre, HMP Wayland, Griston, Thetford, Norfolk, IP25 6RL

01953 804179

Email: hmpwayland@ormistonfamilies.org.uk

Visiting Times

Please Note; HMP Visiting Times are subject to change, sometimes at short notice. Please refer to  https://www.gov.uk/prison-visits  or contact our visitor centre if unsure

Getting here

By train: The nearest railway station is Thetford. From the station you will need to take a taxi to reach the prison, this can be booked at the station.

By car: The prison is off the A1075, around 3 miles from the south of Watton, and is signposted. The M11 and A11 trunk roads are the main routes which provide the best connection with most parts of the country. Leave the A11 at Thetford and take the A1075 towards Watton.

Flexi Bus: This can be booked from the station to Wayland (& return journey) on 0300 123 1145. It leaves Thetford station at 1.00pm & leaves Wayland to return at 4.15pm, the cost is £2.00 each way.

Parking

Free parking is available at the prison, including space for Blue Badge holders.

Disabled access

The visitors centre is wheelchair accessible.

If you are concerned about someone in HMP Wayland you can contact the Safer Custody Team on the number below.

01953 804 000

For the latest information on the booking in process for visits during this pandemic please see here.

The Ormiston Families team is based at HMP Warren Hill. We provide support, information and a personal welcome to help visitors access available services.

How do I book a visit to HMP Warren Hill Visitors’ Centre?

All visitors to HMP Warren Hill must book their visit in advance. Visits can be booked online here or by calling 01394 633 633. This booking line is open Monday – Thursday 09:00 – 12:00.

Visiting times

• Friday-Sunday: 14:00 – 16:00

Remember to bring ID!

How do I get to HMP Warren Hill Visitors’ Centre?

HMP Warren Hill
Grove Road
Hollesley
Woodbridge, Suffolk
IP12 3BD

HMP Warren Hill main phone line: 01394 633 400

By public transport

Train: Ipswich is the nearest main line station. It is 17 miles from Warren Hill. Catch connecting trains to Melton Station from Ipswich.

Bus: bus routes are very limited and there is no service on a Sunday.

Frequently asked questions about visiting HMP Warren Hill Visitors’ Centre

What am I allowed to bring with me on visits?
You will need to bring ID. Acceptable forms of ID for adults are: passport, driving licence, EC ID card, senior citizen public transport pass or citizen card.

If you cannot provide one of the above then you will need TWO different items from the following list:

• Birth/marriage certificate (showing current name)
• Bank statement (dated within the last three months)
• Young person’s proof of age card
• Utility bills (dates within the last six months)
• Medical card
• Paper driving licence.

The prison does not accept letters as a form of ID including police, benefits, solicitor, etc. Student ID cards are also not an acceptable form of ID.

Visitors who are under 18 years old need to bring either a birth certificate, red health book or a passport for ID.

Please note:

• If you do not produce ID you will be refused entry.
• Anything else you bring with you will have to be stored in your locker until you leave.

What happens when I arrive at the Visitors’ Centre?

When you arrive you will need to check in with staff at the visitors’ centre. We will give you a friendly welcome and talk you through what to expect.

Once checked in, you will be given a coloured number card and when called, you can swap that card for a white card and make your way to the gate area. All mobile phones and unauthorised items must be left in our secure lockers.

Once inside the gate area you will be asked again if you are carrying any unauthorised items. Before you are allowed through, a member of staff will search you. A sniffer dog will be there too. Once they know that you have not got anything unauthorised with you, you will be given your table number. You  can then enter the visits hall and go to the table with the number on that you have been given.

What’s it like inside the visits hall?

Everyone is very friendly and helpful. There is a snack bar providing hot and cold drinks and a variety of snacks and sweets.

There is also a play area where children can spend time with Ormiston Families’ play workers. Activities are provided and the children can dip in and out of the area – but no food is allowed.

Please remember that your children are your responsibility at all times inside the prison and the visitors centre.

What if I feel worried about a prisoner?

Ormiston Families’ staff understand that prison can be a very difficult time, for both prisoners and their families. If you have any concerns about a prisoner at HMP Warren Hill, feel free to contact the Safer Custody team on xxx or speak to a member of staff at the visitors’ centre or in the visits hall.

For the latest information on the booking in process for visits during this pandemic please see here.

The Ormiston Families team is based at HMP Highpoint. We provide support, information and a personal welcome to help visitors access available services.

How do I book a visit to HMP Highpoint Visitors’ Centre?

All visitors to HMP Highpoint must book their visit in advance. Visits can be booked online here or by calling 01440 743134.

Visiting times

• Monday: 14:00 – 16:00
• Friday: 14:30 – 16:30
• Saturday: 14:00-16:00
• Sunday: 09:00 – 11:00 and 14:00 – 16:00

Remember to bring ID!

How do I get to HMP Highpoint Visitors’ Centre?

HMP Highpoint (South)
South4 HMP
Highpoint, Stradishall
Newmarket, Suffolk
CB8 9YG

There is disabled access to the centre and the prison. Please inform staff of any additional needs prior to arrival. You can contact the visitors’ centre on 01440 743272.

By public transport

Train: the nearest railway station is in Newmarket. Connecting Communities can assist with travel to HMP Highpoint, collecting you from Newmarket railway station. The service operates Monday to Saturday but must be pre-booked. Booking line open Monday to Friday 08:00 until 16:00.  Call 01638 664304.

Frequently asked questions about visiting HMP Highpoint Visitors’ Centre

What am I allowed to bring with me on visits?
You will need to bring ID. Acceptable forms of ID for adults are: passport, driving licence, EC ID card, senior citizen public transport pass or citizen card.

If you cannot provide one of the above then you will need TWO different items from the following list:

• Birth/marriage certificate (showing current name)
• Bank statement (dated within the last three months)
• Young person’s proof of age card
• Utility bills (dates within the last six months)
• Medical card
• Paper driving licence.

The prison does not accept letters as a form of ID including police, benefits, solicitor, etc. Student ID cards are also not an acceptable form of ID.

Visitors who are under 18 years old need to bring either a birth certificate, red health book or a passport for ID.

Please note:

• If you do not produce ID you will be refused entry.
• Anything else you bring with you will have to be stored in your locker until you leave.

What happens when I arrive at the Visitors’ Centre?

When you arrive at HMP Highpoint, you will need to check in with Ormiston Families’ staff in the visitors’ centre.  We will give you a friendly welcome and talk you through what to expect.

Once checked in you will be given a number card and ask to wait until you are called.  When you are called, you will come to the desk with your ID then be issued with a locker key.

Once inside the gate area,  you will be asked again if you are carrying any unauthorised items. Before you are allowed through, a member of staff will search you. A sniffer dog will be there too. Once they know that you have not got anything unauthorised with you, you will be given your table number. You  can then enter the visits hall and go to the table with the number on that you have been given.

What’s it like inside the visits hall?

Everyone is very friendly and helpful. There is a snack bar providing hot and cold drinks and a variety of snacks and sweets.

There is also a play area where children can spend time with Ormiston Families’ play workers. Activities are provided and the children can dip in and out of the area – but no food is allowed.

Please remember that your children are your responsibility at all times inside the prison and the visitors centre.

What if I feel worried about a prisoner?

Ormiston Families’ staff understand that prison can be a very difficult time, for both prisoners and their families. If you have any concerns about a prisoner at HMP Warren Hill, feel free to contact the Safer Custody team on xxx or speak to a member of staff at the visitors’ centre or in the visits hall.

Our services

• All day family visits – we hold all day family visits once a month on a Wednesday. A list of the current dates is available in the visitors’ centre. These visits are booked by the prisoners.
• Children’s visits- once a month on a Tuesday for HMP Highpoint South.
• Stories With Dad –prisoner dads can apply to record a story on to disc for their child(ren). This is open to dads, step-dads and granddads. They are recorded on the North site and sent out for your children to enjoy at home.
• Family liaison– information, guidance and support on a wide range of matters affecting prisoners’ families offered to prisoners.
• Play area – Ormiston Families staff a fully equipped play area on the South site, which is open for every visit for your children to play.