hmp garth book visit online

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
• Male Cat. B , North West , Prison Visit

Prison information

Address: HM Prison Garth, Ulnes Walton, Leyland, Preston, PR26 8LW Switchboard: 01772 443 300 Managed by: HMPPS Region:  North West Category:  Male Cat. B Link to:  https://www.gov.uk/guidance/garth-prison

Description

Determinate sentence category B prisoners serving 4 years or more, with a minimum of 2 years left to serve Indeterminate sentence category B prisoners (IPP or traditional life sentence prisoners).

Visit Booking: Online

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

Children’s Visits: The overriding factor in allowing any child to visit is whether such contact would be in that child’s best interests. The Governor has the discretion to prevent a visit by any person under 18 years of age if it is considered that such a visit would or could potentially place the child’s safety at risk. All children and young persons under 18 years of age must be named on the visiting order, giving their age and date of birth.

Acceptable forms of ID

Search reports

IMB Reports

Prison Inspectorates Reports

Probation Service Reports

Prisons and Probations Ombudsman

Search the InsideTime library

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

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Garth Prison Information

• Accommodation: The prison consists of multiple residential units with individual cells or shared accommodation for inmates. The cells are equipped with basic amenities, including beds, personal storage, and sanitation facilities.
• Education and Vocational Training: Garth Prison offers educational programs to help inmates improve their literacy, numeracy, and other skills. Vocational training opportunities are provided to enhance employment prospects upon release.
• Workshops and Employment: Inmates have access to workshops where they can engage in various activities such as carpentry, painting, and other vocational programs. These activities aim to develop skills and potential employment options within the prison.
• Healthcare: Garth Prison has an on-site healthcare unit staffed with medical professionals who offer primary healthcare services to prisoners. Mental health support and substance abuse programs are also available.
• Sports and Physical Activities: The prison promotes physical fitness and well-being by providing access to sports facilities and organized activities. These activities aim to develop teamwork, discipline, and positive lifestyle choices.
• Family Contact: The prison recognizes the importance of maintaining family relationships and offers opportunities for visits and contact with family members, subject to specific guidelines and regulations.
• Chaplaincy Services: Garth Prison has chaplains representing different faiths who offer religious support and guidance to prisoners.

Contact Information

Booking a visit to garth prison.

Unlimited Prison Phone Calls Package

• Be on the prisoners visits list
• Book your visit in advance
• Have the required ID when you visit
• At least one visitor must be over 18

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Inspection report - Garth (PDF, 974.6 KB)

Report on an unannounced inspection of HMP Garth by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons (7–18 November 2022)

Action plan

What is Garth Prison Like?

What is Garth Prison Like? This comprehensive guide delves into the details of HMP Garth, a Category B men’s prison located in Lancashire. Understanding the intricacies of life at Garth Prison, from its security measures to the educational and rehabilitation programs, is crucial for anyone seeking information about this institution.

History and Overview

HMP Garth was established in 1988 and primarily houses adult male offenders serving long sentences, including life sentences and those with indeterminate sentences. The prison is known for its high-security measures and is part of the long-term and high-security estate directorate​​​​.

Security and Safeguarding

Security at Garth Prison is paramount. The institution employs rigorous safeguarding protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of inmates and staff. Each prisoner undergoes thorough checks upon arrival and is monitored continuously to prevent incidents and maintain order​​​​.

Arrival and Induction

What is Garth Prison Like upon arrival? New inmates at Garth are met by a dedicated First Night team who assist them with immediate needs, including health assessments and orientation. The induction process lasts about a week and covers essential topics such as prison rules, health and wellbeing, and available support services​​.

Living Conditions

Accommodation at Garth Prison consists of several residential units. The prison has specialized units like the Beacon Unit for personality disorders, a drug recovery unit, and a therapeutic community for substance misuse. Most inmates have individual cells, contributing to a safer and more controlled environment​​​​.

Educational and Work Opportunities

What is Garth Prison Like in terms of education and work? Garth offers a variety of educational programs, from basic literacy and numeracy courses to vocational training in motor mechanics, industrial cleaning, and more. The prison also participates in the Prisons ICT Academy (PICTA), which prepares inmates for careers in information and communications technology​​​​.

Health and Wellbeing

Garth Prison places a strong emphasis on the health and wellbeing of its inmates. Services include mental health support, substance misuse programs, and regular medical check-ups. The prison’s gym facilities offer physical education programs, including qualifications like the YMCA Gym Instructor course​​.

Family Contact and Visits

Maintaining family connections is encouraged at Garth Prison. Inmates can stay in touch with loved ones through secure video calls, phone calls, and emails. The prison also allows family visits, which must be booked in advance. All communications are monitored to ensure security and safety​​.

Rehabilitation Programs

What is Garth Prison Like when it comes to rehabilitation? The prison offers various programs aimed at reducing reoffending rates, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, substance abuse counseling, and personal development courses. These programs are designed to equip inmates with the skills needed for successful reintegration into society​​.

Challenges and Improvements

Like many prisons, Garth faces challenges such as overcrowding and resource limitations. However, ongoing efforts are made to improve facilities and services, ensuring that the prison can effectively manage its population and provide necessary support to inmates​​​​.

In conclusion, What is Garth Prison Like provides a comprehensive understanding of the environment, services, and challenges within HMP Garth. The prison’s focus on security, rehabilitation, and inmate wellbeing makes it a crucial institution in the UK’s criminal justice system. Read other prisons such as Full Sutton Prison .

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Visits & getting there, HMP Wymott

Visits are held at the following times:

• Mon: 13.15 – 16.00
• Tue: 13.15 – 16.00
• Wed: 13.15 – 16.00
• Thu: 13.15 – 16.00
• Sat: 13.45 – 16.15
• Sun: 13.45 – 16.15

You cab book online at www.gov.uk/prison-visits . All you need is the name and date of birth of the person you are visiting , their prisoner number and details of the visitors. You can choose up to 3 possible dates and times. Prison booking staff will check what’s available and confirm your visit by email. If you’ve made an online visit booking request and haven’t received a confirmation email within 1-3 working days, email [email protected] . You can also book by phone, call 01772 442234, Monday to Friday from 0845 – 1645 hours.

There is a visitors centre ( click here ) or call 01772 442109. You can leave items such as mobile phones, cigarettes , food & drink etc in locker here while you have your visit. Like at all prisons you will be required to produce photo ID and proof of address before being admitted to the prison and you will be searched by prison staff. Make sure you arrive well before the time of your visit so that all the paperwork/formalities are completed; if you are late for your visit you may not be admitted to the visits hall.

Getting there:

The nearest main railway station is Leyland which is about 6 miles away from the prison. Click here for train times , Taxis are available at the station, call 01772 424242. The nearest minor station is Croston which is around 1-2 miles away, but there are limited facilities and there may not be any taxi’s, call 01772 600489. The bus #112 runs from a stop outside the Queens Hotel in Leyland to the prison (bus timetables)

By Car:  From M6 (junction 28): Turn left, follow mini-roundabout, go straight across and follow road to traffic lights. Turn left, go through next set of lights, follow road round to right (leisure centre on left). At end, turn left and then immediately right. Follow road to end (mini-roundabout) and turn right. At next mini-roundabout, go straight across. Bear left into Slater Lane and go straight across at the traffic lights. Follow the road to the end and turn left. Garth is approximately one mile on the right (follow signs

Return to Wymott

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Guys Marsh Prison

Guys Marsh is a men’s prison near Shaftesbury in Dorset.

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

Book and plan your visit to Guys Marsh

To visit someone in Guys Marsh you must:

• be on that person’s visitor list
• book your visit at least 7 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 prisoner can have. You can check this with Guys Marsh.

Contact Guys Marsh 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 Guys Marsh
• somewhere to stay overnight

How to book family and friends visits

You can book your visit online .

Guys Marsh is currently operating a limited visits schedule for family and friends. You can book your visit by telephone.

Booking line: 01747 856 586

The booking line is open:

• Monday to Thursday: 1pm to 3pm
• Friday: 11.30am to 1pm

Find out about call charges

Visiting times:

• Friday: 2pm to 3:45pm
• Saturday: 2pm to 3:45pm
• Sunday: 2pm to 3:45pm

How to book legal and professional visits

Email: [email protected]

You can also book by telephone.

Booking line: 01747 856 586 Monday to Thursday, 8am to 4.30pm and Friday, 8am to 4pm Find out about call charges

Visiting times are Thursdays 9am to 11:30am and 2pm to 4pm.

Getting to Guys Marsh

Find Guys Marsh on a map

The closest railway station is Gillingham (Dorset), which is around 6 miles away. From there you will need to get a taxi.

To plan your journey by public transport use:

• National Rail Enquiries
• Traveline for local bus times

There is free car parking available at Guys Marsh.

Entering Guys Marsh

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 .

Visitors under the age of 16 will need to bring a birth certificate.

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

Guys Marsh has a strict dress code policy, which means visitors should wear smart clothes (no vests, no low-cut tops, no shorts, no short dresses and no headwear, other than that worn for religious reasons).

There is a canteen for refreshments run by Expia. Visitors can take in a maximum of £30 per group of which £20 can be spent during the visit. The £10 remainder can be used to buy goods from the canteen for the prisoner to take back with them. Prisoners cannot take back any other food that has not been purchased from the canteen.

There are strict controls on what you can take into Guys Marsh. 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.

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 PACT. They can provide you with information and help, you can buy refreshments from the vending machine, and there are toys and games available for children.

Inside the prison there is a play area with toys and games in the visiting hall.

To contact the visitor centre please call 01747 685824.

Family days/Wellbeing days

Wellbeing Visits are held in the prison throughout the year. Prisoners are able to apply for these visits which last for 4 hours with games, activities and refreshments for all.

These visits are organised by PACT and various departments in the Prison and are supported by Friends of Guys Marsh while also allowing for fair and equal opportunity for all who apply.

Keep in touch with someone at Guys Marsh

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

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 phones in their cells for outgoing calls only 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.

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

Prisoner voicemail

This service is used to exchange voicemails in a fast and easy way with your families, friends and loved ones. To use this service, please sign up on via the Prison Voicemail website .

You can send emails to someone in Guys Marsh 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 Guys Marsh.

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, contact Guys Marsh .

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

People in Guys Marsh can be sent certain items as gifts from a list of approved suppliers. Contact Guys Marsh for more information on what’s allowed.

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 Guys Marsh

Guys Marsh 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 Guys Marsh 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 Guys Marsh, 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 have access to a shower and a hot meal and drink.

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

Each prisoner who arrives at Guys Marsh 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

Guys Marsh houses around 550 prisoners across 8 residential units in a mixture of single and shared cells.

Education and work

Guys Marsh runs accredited programmes on thinking skills, drug rehabilitation and anger management.

A variety of work is available to all prisoners including:

• farm and estates management
• industrial cleaning
• bricklaying
• contract production workshops

Some of this work can result in recognised external qualifications.

Temporary release

There are opportunities to work outside the prison on temporary licence.

Organisations Guys Marsh works with

Guys Marsh works with PACT to help children of prisoners and their families improve contact and strengthen family relationships.

Support for family and friends

Family services at Guys Marsh are provided by PACT.

Support at Guys Marsh

Email: [email protected]

Emails to the family support team will be answered twice a week.

Guys Marsh also organises family days and provides support through safer custody and PACT.

Concerns, problems and complaints

In an emergency.

Call 01747 856 400 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 any other problem contact Guys Marsh .

Inspection reports

HM Prison and Probation Service publishes action plans for Guys Marsh in response to independent inspections.

Contact Guys Marsh

Governor: Niall Bryant

Telephone (24 hours): 01747 856 400 Fax: 01747 856 401 Find out about call charges

Follow Guys Marsh on Twitter/X

HMP Guys Marsh Shaftesbury Dorset SP7 0AH

Updates to this page

Updated Safer custody number and information

Secure video calls update.

Updated visiting guidance based on 1 April COVID rule changes

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

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

Updated physical contact guidance

Updated rules for sending in money and gifts.

New visiting times and booking information added.

New Safer Custody contact number.

Updated visiting information in line with new local restriction tiers.

Updated visiting information in line with new national restrictions in England.

Updated visiting information in line with coronavirus restrictions.

Updated: HMP Guys Marsh visiting times and visiting procedure changes during coronavirus.

Updated information to include confirmation of secure video calls being available at this prison.

added survey link

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