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Hmp-yoi low newton.

Inside Time Reports
13th December 2014
Female Closed Training , North East , Prison Visit

Prison information

Address: LOW NEWTON Brasside Durham DH1 5YA Switchboard: 0191 3764000 Managed by: HMPPS Region: North East /Womens Estate Category: Female Closed and YOI Link to: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/low-newton-prison

Description

HMP/YOI Low Newton is a closed women’s prison, holding convicted and unconvicted adult prisoners and young female offenders.

Visit Booking: On-line

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: Family Days/Child-Parent days approved by OMU

Acceptable forms of ID

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3 thoughts on “ hmp-yoi low newton ”.

I hope I get a phone call back tommora trying to check something with you’re jail was beyond a joke I was saying about threats been made in against people and I was hung up on I’m not going to let this go use have a duty of care and didn’t even lowest to the situation I hope the tables turn one day

in most cases you can do this via email or text you can get this information usually off the prison website.

I’m enquiring about visiting my cousin she’s unconvicted an her family are wanting to visit her how will I go about booking it

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The Good Book of Prisons

What's good in prisons across England & Wales

The Officers said the prison was safe, with dedicated, committed staff, and good, ‘very supportive’ and ‘caring’ staff-prisoner relations. They praised safer custody (self-harm, once a big issue, is ‘much improved’) and Keywork (making ‘a real difference’). They rated specialist support (including 3 counsellors) for victims of abuse and care leavers, the specialist PIPE unit, and the ‘excellent’ Primrose Unit.

The prisoners agreed it was safe, and ‘very strong’ on bullying and work with bullies and victims, and called relations with staff ‘very good’, ‘respectful’ and ‘supportive’. Education was rated ‘excellent’ (with high aspirations for the women and ‘great’ teachers), as was the Chaplaincy for its support to ‘everyone’. They praised the ‘Inspire’ cancer group supported by Macmillan, and ‘excellent’ visits (including evenings and weekends) and the ‘brilliant’ NEPACS (who run the visit centre, organise homework clubs, family days, lifer days, and monthly full-day parent-child visits etc). The Resident Consultative Committee (RCC), a Prisoner Council (chaired and minuted by prisoners), was ‘very’ active and effective. They also rated monthly meetings with the SMT and ‘celebration of achievements’ events as positives.

The managers described ‘outstanding’ staff-prisoner relations, and praised the care and support of women with complex needs. They rated family involvement in ACCT reviews for those at risk of self-harm, the ‘fantastic’ group of Listeners, and the range and quality of peer mentors and support workers. Like the women, they praised the RCC and visits. They also valued the staff Colleague Consultative Committee, meeting regularly with managers (including No. 1), the monthly staff newsletter, which includes staff ‘thank yous’ and achievements, the Team & Employee of the Month, which includes nominations from prisoners, and ‘Thank you’ postcards for staff, used by both prisoners and staff.

Butler Trust

www.butlertrust.org.uk

[email protected]

020 8688 6062

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Low Newton 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: Low Newton Prison provides educational programs to help inmates improve their literacy, numeracy, and other skills. Vocational training opportunities are also offered to enhance employment prospects upon release.
Work Opportunities: Inmates have access to work opportunities within the prison, such as maintenance, cleaning, kitchen, and other designated roles. These work activities aim to develop skills, a sense of responsibility, and a work ethic.
Healthcare: Low Newton Prison has an on-site healthcare unit staffed with medical professionals who offer primary healthcare services to prisoners. Mental health support, substance abuse programs, and specialist services are also available.
Family Contact: Low Newton Prison recognizes the importance of maintaining family relationships and supports visits and contact with family members, subject to specific guidelines and regulations.
Resettlement Support: The prison offers pre-release planning and support to help inmates prepare for their eventual release. This may include assistance with accommodation, employment, and access to community-based support services.

Contact Information

Booking a visit to low newton prison.

Monday: 12pm to 5pm
Tuesday: 9am to 5pm
Wednesday: 12pm to 5pm
Thursday: 9am to 5pm
Friday: 12pm to 5pm
Tuesday: 2pm to 4pm
Thursday: 2pm to 4pm
Saturday: 2pm to 4pm
Sunday: 2pm to 4pm

Unlimited Prison Phone Calls Package

Valid Passport
Valid Photographic
Driving Licence (full or provisional)
Citizen Card
Senior Citizens Bus Pass Travel Card (issued by Scottish Government)
Utility bill
Council tax bill
Benefit book
Bank statement
other letter from official source

Legal casework
Publications

Prisons · Durham

Overcrowding.

Certified Normal Accommodation (CNA): 298

Population: 292

Low Newton is a closed women’s prison near Durham. It was built in 1965 as a small remand centre for both men and women. In 1976 the prison became a male young offender institution; it also had a small, self-contained unit holding women on remand. In 1998, Low Newton became a women’s prison.

Read Low Newton’s latest inspection report here.

About this information

Certified Normal Accommodation (CNA) is the prison service’s own measure of how many prisoners can be held in decent and safe accommodation. Any occupancy above CNA means that the prison in question is overcrowded.

Restricted status: women placed on restricted status are deemed to pose a high risk to the public if they were to escape. They are held in closed women’s prisons, and sometimes placed in the segregation unit.

Closed prisons: the majority of women’s prisons are closed prisons. Women who are assessed as not being suitable for open conditions are held in these prisons.

Open prisons: there are two open prisons for women, Askham Grange and East Sutton Park. They hold women who have been assessed as posing a low risk.

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A prison van believed to be carrying the convicted murderer Lucy Letby leaves Manchester crown court

Inside Low Newton: the high security prison that will house Lucy Letby

Durham facility is regarded as safe by inspectors and houses Joanna Dennehy, who also received a whole life order

The high-security prison where Lucy Letby will spend the rest of her life also houses some of Britain’s most high-profile criminals.

Letby, 33, is reportedly being sent to HMP Low Newton in Durham to serve the whole-life order that she received on Monday for murdering seven babies and attempting to murder six others.

Low Newton holds women from 18 years old upwards and includes those serving short sentences and also high security (restricted status) women. It houses Joanna Dennehy, who became the first woman to receive a whole-life order at sentencing after she murdered three men during a 10-day spree in 2013.

A two-storey red-brick building. All of the windows are barred

Dennehy’s sentencing judge revealed she had told a psychiatrist that she killed “to see if I was as cold as I thought I was. Then it got moreish and I got a taste for it.”

Other former inmates of Low Newton included Rose West, who was convicted of 10 murders, carried out with her husband Fred, at Winchester crown court in 1995.

It also housed Tracey Connelly , the mother of Baby P, who died after months of abuse in 2007, and also Sharon Carr, who became known as “The Devil’s Daughter” when she murdered an 18-year-old stranger.

A prison cell. On the right there is a bed on a raised metal frame. In the centre, there is a barred window in the far fall with red curtains. On the left there are some storage units

As of April last year, there were 242 prisoners at the facility, which has been declared a safe environment by the Independent Monitoring Boards.

Levels of self-harm and violence are “relatively low” at the institution and there were no deaths in custody at Low Newton in the reporting year 2021-22.

The prison has seven wings plus a healthcare unit. Prisoners and staff “take great pride in cleaning these areas and keeping the prison tidy”, the IMB report said.

Women at Low Newton have the option of shopping at the prison shop, Rags to Riches, which the IMB said “is popular with the women”.

The prison has organised animal visits and has brought goats and sheep into the establishment alongside having a residential rabbit and two birds, the IMB report added.

“Prisoners have had access to these animals, often with the most challenging of prisoners giving good results in feedback surveys, which have shown that this initiative has had a calming effect,” the report stated.

Inmates of Low Newton created a play exploring the troubled lives of female prisoners, which made its national debut at the Edinburgh festival fringe in 2015.

Prisons and probation

More on this story

Child serial killer Lucy Letby loses initial attempt to challenge convictions

Convicted child serial killer Lucy Letby struck off nursing register

Lucy Letby inquiry to consider hospital and NHS culture

Experts call for lucy letby inquiry to cover statistical evidence used in trial.

Lucy Letby to appeal against conviction over babies’ murders

Letby inquiry must also examine NHS ‘cover-up culture’, says ombudsman

Lady Justice Thirlwall appointed to lead public inquiry into Lucy Letby

Lucy Letby inquiry: how do statutory and non-statutory inquiries differ?

Lucy Letby inquiry will have power to force witnesses to give evidence

HM Prison Low Newton

Table of Contents

HM Prison Low Newton first opened in 1965 as a mixed remand center for both men and women. The initial capacity was for 65 male and 11 female inmates. As the prison population expanded across England and Wales in the 1970s, further accommodation was added at Low Newton in 1975, increasing the capacity to around 215 prisoners. However, like many prisons, Low Newton was often overcrowded with too many inmates for the available facilities.

In September 1998, Low Newton began the transition to becoming a women’s only prison. A re-role refurbishment program saw the removal of male inmates, eventually creating an all-female prison. Low Newton now accepts female inmates from courts across northern England, from the Scottish Borders down to North Yorkshire and across to North Cumbria.

There have been some notable incidents at HMP Low Newton over the years. In 1998, a female inmate being treated at the hospital assaulted an officer, holding scissors to her throat and demanding drugs. Police subdued the prisoner with a taser stun gun. In 2014, a program called The Learning Shop aimed at improving female inmates’ mental health was closed due to lack of funding from the National Offender Management Service.

Facilities and Units

Low Newton contains a general open prison population unit for around 230 women. There is also a dedicated unit for young female offenders from age 18-21. A small number of female juvenile offenders under 18 are also held.

In addition, Low Newton houses high-security prisoners such as female lifers. The Primrose Project operates at the prison treating women with dangerous and severe personality disorders – the only such unit for women in the UK prison system.

Healthcare and mental health services are provided to inmates by an in-house NHS team. There have been some concerns raised over the years about underfunding impacting these services. However, the prison attempts to provide care and rehabilitation programs tailored to female inmates’ specific needs.

Notable Inmates

A number of notorious and high-profile women have served sentences at HM Prison Low Newton over the years.

Current Inmates

Joanna Dennehy – Serving a life term for three murders and two attempted murders.
Emma Aitken – Also serving a life sentence, she was an accomplice of Dennehy.

Former Inmates

Rose West – Infamous serial killer, wife of Fred West.
Sharon Carr – Britain’s youngest ever female killer, convicted of murder aged 12.
Tracey Connelly – Jailed for her role in the death of Baby P.
Anne Darwin – Jailed for faking her husband’s death to claim insurance money.
Bernadette McNeilly – Leader of a gang who tortured and murdered teenager Suzanne Capper.

Controversies

There have been a few controversies around conditions and operations at Low Newton. Historically, like many UK prisons, Low Newton has seen problems with overcrowding and inadequate staff-to-inmate ratios. The closure of The Learning Shop mental health program due to underfunding points to resourcing issues.

There have also been some concerns raised around violence and safety at the prison. A 2016 report found levels of prisoner-on-prisoner assaults were increasing at Low Newton and staff cuts left the prison understaffed. However, the Chief Inspector noted rehabilitation work and education programs were good quality.

Impact on Community

As a major employer in the local area, Low Newton provides jobs for over 300 staff. The prison partners with community groups to offer rehabilitation programs that also benefit the community, such as housing assistance for inmates upon release. Some inmates have opportunities to undertake voluntary work outside the prison.

There are hopes a new expansion program will create additional local employment opportunities. More spaces for female inmates could also increase the scope of rehabilitation and training programs.

Future Developments

Plans were approved in 2020 for a major £150 million expansion of HMP Low Newton, increasing the prisoner capacity from 319 to 732. This will boost rehabilitation and training facilities.

There are also plans to partner with other agencies to pilot innovative approaches to reducing reoffending rates post-release. Other women’s prisons around the country are being used as models for best practices in mental healthcare and rehabilitation that could be implemented at Low Newton.

HM Prison Low Newton has undergone major changes since first opening in the 1960s, transitioning from a mixed facility to a women’s prison. While it has faced controversies around overcrowding, funding, and violence, rehabilitation efforts have increased in recent decades. Ongoing expansion aims to further upgrade facilities and programs and turn Low Newton into one of the country’s model prisons for female inmates. With the right resources and staff, the prison hopes to positively impact the lives of hundreds of women each year through education, mental health treatment, and skills training.

Q: When did HMP Low Newton become a female-only prison?

A: Low Newton transitioned to an all-female prison in 1998, with the last male inmates removed after a re-role refurbishment program.

Q: What is the current capacity of HMP Low Newton?

A: As of 2020, Low Newton’s capacity was 319 inmates. A new expansion plan aims to increase this to over 700 prisoners.

Q: What kinds of inmates are housed at Low Newton?

A: It houses adult women from courts across Northern England, young female offenders, female lifers, and some juvenile girls under 18.

Q: How many staff work at the prison?

A: Low Newton employs around 300 staff across custodial, healthcare, educational, administrative and other roles.

Q: What rehabilitation programs are offered at the prison?

A: Programs include mental health services, skills training, housing assistance, addiction counseling, and voluntary work placements in the community.

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Prison visitors
Visitor Centres
Holme House

Holme House Visitor Centre

HMP Holme House, Holme House Road, Stockton on Tees, TS18 2QU

Click on the blue question below to see the answers appear underneath.

Contact details

Visitor centre: 01642 744080 Visitors centre email: use contact form to email HERE

Nepacs helpline: Freephone 0800 012 1539 Monday and Friday 12noon - 8pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am - 2pm. Email [email protected] Text 07983 437 457

Prison: 01642 744000

Visits booking: Telephone line 0300 060 6602 (Monday and Wednesday 8.30am to 4.30pm). Email/online: www.gov.uk/prison-visits

Safer custody: If you have any concerns about a prisoner, please speak to a prison officer, any staff or volunteers at the family support visitors centre or ring the prison switchboard on 01642 744000. You can also contact the prison safer custody team direct on 01642 744 355, Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm and leave a message. All information will be dealt with in the strictest confidence.

How can I book a visit?

All first (reception) visits to see a loved one in HMP Holme House must be booked by telephone (see below).

All other visits (after the initial visit) can be booked either by using the telephone booking line or through the online booking system.

Visit https://www.gov.uk/prison-visits
Call 0300 060 6602 - Monday to Wednesday, Friday 8.30am to 4pm

You can only book a visit if your details are on the prisoner’s contact sheet.

Visitors under the age of 18 years are not allowed a prison visit during the first 72 hours in custody.

All visits must be booked 24 hours before the planned visit and you are able to book a visit maximum of 4 weeks in advance.

The system for booking means you do not need a visiting order. However, you will need a reference number which will be given to you when you book your visit by telephone.

All visitors must be named on the prisoner’s contact list before they can book a visit and all visitors must be present when booking in.

If you are tagged or have been in prison you are not allowed to visit unless you receive written confirmation from the prison. If you receive confirmation in writing you must bring the letter with you on your visit and show it at the portal.

Photo ID is compulsory. A list of authorised ID is available in the visitors centre or on this website, see below.

Visitors who require wheel chair assistance will need to add the name of their helper on to the prisoner contact list so that they can assist you during the visit.

When can I visit?

Visits sessions will last around one hour and take place Tuesday to Sunday each week. There are visit slots available mornings, afternoons and evenings.

The visitors centre will open from 12.30pm each week day and 8am on a weekend to enable you to book in for your visits. The centre opens at 4.30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays for evening visits.

How often am I able to visit?

To maximise visits opportunities and to be fair to all, each resident is currently allowed two visits and two video calls per month.

Who can visit?

Three adults are permitted to visit plus children (under 18 years). Please note that anyone aged 18 and over is classed as an adult when booking a visit.

What ID documents will I need?

Social visitors have the option to present one photographic ID document from List A:

Identity cards from an EU or European Economic Area (EEA) country
UK photocard driving licences
EU or EEA driving licences
NI Electoral identity cards
US passport card
Proof of age card recognised under PASS with a unique reference number (This includes the Citizen ID card). Remember: Prisoners' families can get a £10 discount on the cost of a Citizen Card when applying online. Contact our helpline for the code.
Armed forces identity card
UK biometric residence permit (BRP)

Should they be unable to present an ID document from List A, they may present one ID document from List B, supported by one document from List C:

Home Office travel document (convention travel document, stateless person’s document, one-way document or certificate of travel)
Older person’s bus pass
Freedom Pass
Proof of age card recognised under the Proof of Age Standards
Scheme (PASS) without a unique reference number (please refer to List A where a unique reference number is present)
Birth or adoption certificate
Education certificate from a regulated and recognised educational institution (such as an NVQ, SQA, GCSE, A level or degree certificate)
Rental or purchase agreement for a residential property (signed and dated)
Marriage or civil partnership certificate
Bank, building society or credit union current account card (on which the claimed identity is shown)

Persons under the age of 16 years do not need ID.

All forms of ID must be originals, photocopies will not be accepted. If visitors fail to bring identification they will not be allowed into the prison and please ensure that you bring ID that provides proof of residence.

How can I get there?

From Stockton High Street, number 13 from stand 16 at 29 minutes past and 59 minutes to.

From Middlesbrough bus station, from stand 20 get the number 13 bus and get off at Asda round-about.

From the south, travel north bound on the A19, take the A1046 (Portrack Lane) exit for Stockton.

From the north, travel south bound on the A19, take the A1046 (Portrack Lane) Haverton Hill/Stockton exit.

At the ASDA roundabout, turn right onto Holme House Road. A car park is available at the Visitors' Centre.

Is there a dress code?

HMP Holme House requests that visitors are of an acceptable standard of dress when visiting. Visitors to HMP Holme House must be dressed appropriately at all times, this reflects their aims to create a family atmosphere as part of their reducing reoffending and decency agenda.

This applies to all visitors regardless of age and gender.

Please note if you are unable to meet the requirements of the dress code, on arrival you will not be permitted to enter the establishment until you have changed into alternative appropriate clothing.

The following types of clothing are not permitted: • Short/cropped tops that reveal a naked midriff. • Low cut tops or unbuttoned tops that display a cleavage or bare chest. • Shorts, dresses and skirts must be of knee length. • Any clothing with rips or tears. • Headwear other than for religious purposes - these will be subject to searching as per Holme House searching policy. • Footwear with protective toe caps. • Knee length boots. • Any item with offensive patterns or logos (such as cannabis leaves, racist logos or offensive language).

All clothing should be of a type that allows staff to carry out the level required for searching without difficulty.

In addition the following articles are not allowed in the establishment: • Any clothing fitted with large buckles, chains and / or excessive amounts of zips. • Belts with large buckles. • Hats. • Scarves. • Ponchos. • Gloves. • Watches, large earrings, rings and necklaces, broaches. • Headbands. • Sunglasses.

Please note it is a criminal offence to bring a mobile phone into a prison.

Locker facilities are located in the visitors centre for outer garments and personal effects.

Visitors are reminded that staff are required to search visitors as a condition of entry and that all visits take place at the discretion of the visits manager.

Where can I wait when I arrive for my visit?

When you arrive at the prison you must go to the visitors’ centre.

The visitors centre will open from 12.30pm each week day and 8am on a weekend. The centre will open at 4.30pm for evening visits.

On arrival at the visitors’ centre you will register at the office where the prison visits process will be explained and an information pack will be emailed to you.

We have a range of facilities in the centre including:

- toilets including a disabled toilet and baby changing facilities

- quiet room for confidential conversations

- play area for young children inside and outside the centre

We are not currently providing refreshments in the visitors centre but you are able to purchase reward bags for enhanced prisoners. Please ask in the visitors centre for details.

All visitors, aged 1 and over, will have their photo taken on their first visit. If you have previously visited please note that all children aged 1 and over will now need to have their photo taken and this will take place on your next visit.

Will I be searched?

You will be asked to remove outdoor clothing, shoes, belts and multiple layers for examination.

You will then pass through a body scanner and maybe searched. There may also be a drug detection dog in the visits area.

The prison also has a full body scanner in Visits for the prisoners. The scanner is part of their Drug Recovery Prison (DRP) work to create a more decent, safe and secure environment by reducing the number of illicit articles in Holme House.

What can I take with me into the prison?

You can only take the following into the prison visits hall:

Up to £20 in coins to purchase items from the tea bar

Everything else is to be left in your locker in the visitors centre.

No scarves/watches can be worn on your visit. Only small stud earrings and wedding/engagement rings can be worn in the prison.

Please ensure you have a £1 coin for your locker.

Can I take anything for the person I am visiting?

No - you are not allowed to bring or post anything in for the prisoner.

Any clothing or other items that the prisoner needs must be ordered through the prison canteen.

However, all prisoners who have served under 30 days from coming into custody will be eligible to receive an “Early Days Clothing Parcel” from family/friends on their contact list. Please be mindful that this is not 30 days from when arriving in Holme House but 30 days from when first coming into custody at whichever establishment. If a prisoner is eligible for an Early Days Clothing Parcel they will be notified on arrival at the prison and the process will be explained.

Can I get help with the cost of visiting?

You may be able to claim travel expenses if you are on a low income or in receipt of certain benefits.

Please ask at the desk in the Visitors’ Centre for details of the Help with Prison Visits Scheme before commencing your visit. Staff can help you complete the form.

Visit: https://www.gov.uk/help-with-prison-visits

If you have problems accessing the website ask the visitors centre for support. More information HERE.

What facilities are there for children?

Our play area in the visitor centre is open and we have a play area outside, for children to use when waiting for a visit.

In the visits hall we have a play area for younger children and a youth zone for older children.

Parents and guardians remain responsible for children at all times and must ensure that children remain in their seat during the visits, as much as possible unless they are using the play area or youth zone.

If you have children aged 8 to 17 years our regional youth project HERE are here to help and can provide telephone, face to face or online support.

Activity packs wll be available during visits or to take home with them after the visit. Please ask in the visitors centre.

Do you run any special family visits?

Special family visits take place during school holidays, which give children or families the opportunity to spend quality time with their iloved one in prison. Ask in the visitors centre for information on these visits.

The prisoner will need to apply to go on these visits using the kiosk.

Can I have a video call with the prisoner?

Video calls are available for prisoners and their families/contacts at HMP Holme House.

Each video call is 30 minutes in duration.

At the moment, to ensure that everyone gets an opportunity to have one, the calls are limited to two per month.

Four people can be on the call, but the lead caller must be over 18 years old.

The costs of the video calls are currently free.

Families and friends can access the service by downloading the “Prison Video” app on their smartphone or tablet – the rest of the instructions are clear from the app. Details on how to get started are HERE.

What items can I send to the prisoner?

You are not allowed to post anything in for the prisoner. Any clothing or other items that the prisoner needs must be ordered through the prison canteen.

You can send letters and photos but any greetings cards must come direct from Funky Pigeon, Moon Pig or Jail Mail. All correspondence is being photocopied and the photocopy will be passed onto the prisoner. Please use black or blue ink only and do not use glitter.

You are no longer allowed to send stamped addressed envelope or stamps to a prisoner.

Sending in photos through PIXNOW

It is now possible for friends and loved ones to share photos with someone currently in the prison.

To get started, visit https://sendphotos-hmpholmehouse.co.uk and follow the instructions provided.

If you have any questions please telephone the visitors’ centre on telephone 01642 744080.

How can I send money to the prisoner?

Family and friends are able to log on to an online electronic system to send money to a prisoner.

For more information and to arrange transfer of money to a prisoner visit https://www.gov.uk/send-prisoner-money

When you log in you will need to set up a ‘payee’ very much like you would when you do your internet banking. To do this you need the prisoner’s number and date of birth.

Once the money has been approved it should appear within 1-3 days in the prisoner’s bank account.

You are no longer able to send cheques, postal orders and cash into the prisoner.

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.

Visit the website for more information on how to request an exemption or ask in the visitors centre.

How can I keep in touch with a prisoner?

Prisoners are able to telephone or write to their loved ones.

Family members/loved ones can also send in letters and photos but any greetings cards must come direct from Funky Pigeon, Moon Pig or Jail Mate.

All correspondence is being photocopied and the photocopy will be passed onto the prisoner. Please use black or blue ink only and do not use glitter.

You are no longer able to send stamped addressed envelopes or stamps for the prisoner.

You can also contact the prisoner using the following:

- Email a prisoner service. Find out more here: www.emailaprisoner.com

- Prison Voicemail. For more information and the costs associated with this, click here.

- Video call via P rison Video - see more information under: 'Can I have a video call with the prisoner?'

Is there someone I can talk to?

We hold regular sessions (called Visitors’ Voice) where visitors’ get together to support each other. On occasions a representative from the prison attends to explain what happens within different departments and to answer questions. Check forthcoming dates in the centre.

We also offer a listening ear and friendly support. If you are feeling upset or confused about visiting, or need someone to talk please ring us on 01642 744080 and leave a message and we will get back to you.

Who do I contact if I have concerns about a prisoner?

If you think the prisoner is at immediate risk please call the switchboard on 01642 744000 and ask for the Orderly Officer and explain that your concern is an emergency.

If your concern is urgent but not life-threatening, please call the Safer Custody Helpline - 01642 774 355 or contact the prison safer custody team using the web form (the team will pick up all contact forms within 72 hours): https://www.prisonersfamilies.org/hmp-holme-house

You can also fill in a concern slip in the Visitors’ Centre.

Our Nepacs visitors centre and family support teams are also available to help with any issues that you may be finding difficult during this time or if you have any concerns about a loved one in the prison. They can be contacted by telephone 01642 744080 or 01642 744418 (between office hours only).

What healthcare is available for prisoners?

There are doctors, nurses, mental health workers, drug and alcohol recovery teams and there is a pharmacy within the prison

The healthcare service in all seven north east prisons is ran by Reconnected to Health which is made up of Spectrum, Humankind and Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust. Spectrum have a section on their website with the answers to the most common questions families ask about healthcare:

https://spectrumhealth.org.uk/health-and-justice/faqs-for-families/

Who can I contact if our family needs support?

If you or your family have any additional needs please contact the Nepacs’ family support team by telephone 01642 744418 or the visitors centre on 01642 744304.

The Nepacs’ family support team at HMP Holme House can work with a prisoner and their family to:

Provide advice and support to families to reduce barriers to visiting
Signpost families to relevant community services
Assist to establish or maintain family bonds
Mediate reconciliation with family members
Provide support in gaining access to children
Support with practical issues such as transport and childcare
Offer emotional support
Provide help to access special family days and father-child visits, including after-school clubs
Help access financial support for travel and family hardships
Support in preparing for home leave and release - including our Heading Home re:connect and re:settle programmes (which support prisoners and families before release)

For more information about visiting please get in touch with the visitors’ centre on 01642 744080.

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Regimes at Low Newton

Healthcare: Primary Healthcare is provided HNS and Durham and Chester-le-Street PCT with access to local hospitals for clinics etc. The prison has trained Listeners for those who need support during difficult times.

Drugs Strategy: Random drug testing is carried out at the prison, supported by a CARATs team

Catering: Supplies all meals, and has menu’s for special and ethnic diets. Most of the work in the kitchens are serveries is done by prisoners

Race Equality Action Team: Low Newton has a Race Equality Action Team under the direct responsibility of the Governor.

Psychology and Programmes : The programmes available are Enhanced Thinking Skills, Relapse Prevention, and Life Skills Development. The Psychology Unit works on a 1:2:1 with prisoners on risk assessment and offence focused work covering issues such as anger management, sex offending, victim empathy and violent offending.

Offender Management: The works with outside agencies to assist the with the prpearation of the prisoners for release. These agenies include NEPACS who have helped to set up child/parent visits allowing more informal contact between mother and child outside of the usual domestic visits thereby helping to maintain family ties, and Job Centre Plus who have set up a benefits service to assist prisoners on release. Risk assessment is ongoing throughout sentence and is subject to formal review through sentence planning and assessments for release particularly HDC and parole. The Housing Advice Office is staffed by a mix of selected prisoners and prison staff who work alongside each other to try and help women find accommodation on release.

Chaplaincy: Multi-faith with all faiths catered for either on a regular basis or by special arrangements.

Prison Shop: The canteen is operated by Aramark, on a bagging system.

Phones: Telephones are available to all residential areas and are accessible by pin-phone accounts.

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