Can't get to the prison because of distance, cost, health or work? Video calls, Purple Post, phone calls, help with travel costs and family support services.
If you can’t get to the prison – because it’s too far, too expensive, you’re unwell, you can’t get time off work, or you’re caring for someone – you still have ways to stay close. Video calls, Purple Post digital mail, phone calls and letters all help. The government can also pay travel costs for some visitors. This article lists your options and where to get support.
None of these replace seeing someone in person. But they can make the gaps between visits feel shorter, and they can keep a relationship going when a visit just isn’t possible right now.
People are often sent to a prison a long way from home. A “local” prison might be two or three hours away. Add in the cost of trains or petrol, parking, food, childcare and a day off work, and one visit can cost more than many families can afford to do often. Health problems, disability, caring responsibilities and shift work make it harder still.
If that’s you, you’re not alone, and it doesn’t mean you care any less.
Purple Visits lets you have a secure video call with someone in prison from your own phone. At most prisons using Purple Visits, you get up to 60 free minutes a month, subject to availability at your establishment. Up to 4 people can join, so children, grandparents and partners can all be on the same call.
Note: Video calls are recorded and may be monitored by the establishment, as prison phone calls are.
Start with our Getting started guide, or download the app.
At some prisons you can also send messages, photos, GIFs and voice notes through the Purple Post app. Messages are delivered to the person inside by the prison. Credits cost from 50p a message, and prices are shown in the app.
Purple Post is currently available at HMP Five Wells, HMP & YOI Parc and HMP Rye Hill. Find out more on the Purple Post page.
People in prison can call approved numbers from prison phones. They pay for these calls from their prison account, and your number needs to be on their approved list first. Ask your loved one to add you. The prison can tell you how this works at their establishment.
Letters are still one of the simplest ways to stay in touch, and they cost the price of a stamp. Many prisons also accept messages through the Email a Prisoner service. Contact the prison to find out what they accept.
If you get certain benefits or have a low income, the government’s Help with Prison Visits scheme can pay your travel costs for visits to a close relative or partner. Depending on your journey it may also cover some other costs, such as meals or an overnight stay. The rules and limits are on the government website.
Tip: Keep your tickets and receipts. You’ll need them to claim.
You don’t have to work all of this out on your own. These organisations support families of people in prison, free of charge.
Many prisons also have a visitor centre run by a charity, with staff who can answer questions about visits and family support. Your loved one’s page on our establishments list has the prison’s contact details.
Lots of families use a mix: a video call each month, a letter or Purple Post message in between, phone calls when they can, and an in-person visit when it’s possible. There’s no right answer. Do what works for you and the person inside.
If you have a question about Purple Visits, email [email protected] or use the contact form. We usually reply within one working day. Live chat in the app is usually answered within a few minutes during business hours.
For anything else about prison life or supporting your family, the Prisoners’ Families Helpline on 0808 808 2003 is a good first call.