When a person comes into prison for the first time, it can be a worrying time for them, and their loved ones at home.
We know that the impact of coming to prison on a person's wellbeing is most acute during their first few days. If you have any concerns for a person's mental health, a 24-hour concern phoneline is available at every prison in Scotland.
When arriving in custody your loved one will provide us with a list of phone numbers (family, friends, or legal support) to be added to their approved call list.
They can only call numbers that are on that list, and it is up to them to tell you which prison they are in.
We provide 200 free minutes per month for those in custody, to make sure they are able to contact their family and loved ones.
There are multiple ways available for you to contact someone who is in prison.
When someone first arrives, the fastest way to get in touch is to have them phone you. We provide 200 free minutes per month to make sure they are able to do this.
People in custody can send one free letter per week. They can send more by purchasing stamps from the canteen.
Prison issued clothing is usually a polo shirt, sweatshirt and trousers or jeans. The prison can also provide underwear and socks if needed.
Basic hygiene items such as soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes are also provided.
When your loved one comes into custody, they will go through an admission process where they can discuss any issues, concerns or questions they may have.
Some establishments have ‘peer supporters’, who are other people in custody who volunteer to receive specific training in supporting those entering custody.
All halls have prison officers your loved one can talk to, and support is also available from our prison Chaplains.
Your loved one will also have access to an in-cell telephone and can call support organisations such as Samaritans and Breathing Space at any time, at no cost.
When a young person is first admitted to custody, they are supported under the ‘Talk to Me’ policy for the first 72 hours. This will continue until the young person is settled and no longer needs this level of support.
This observation period is in place to ensure the young person is supported during what can be a difficult and unfamiliar time, and to help staff identify any additional care or support they may need during their time in custody.
Money can be sent to people in custody through online banking, or by post.
The safest and most cost-efficient way of transferring the money to your loved one is through online banking.
More information on how to do this is available below.
People in custody have a weekly limit on what they can spend from their prisoner's personal cash account (PPC). Those who are convicted have £20 per week, plus any additional income earned through prison wages. Those on remand have £40 per week.
Some small items can be purchased from the prison canteen. What is available for them to buy varies between establishments, but generally things like stamps, toiletries and snack items will be on sale.
Those in custody can also provide feedback to the establishment on items they would like added to canteen list.
When your loved one comes into custody, they will go through an admission process where they can discuss any issues, concerns or questions they may have. This includes speaking to an NHS nurse.
Each prison has NHS-operated healthcare facilities with doctors, nurses, and dentists.
All prisoners are seen by a doctor within 24 hours of admission.
We understand how difficult it can be when a loved one is sent to prison.
There are a number of different organisations available to help you to navigate this time, with specific support also available for children and young people.
