VISITING THE PRISON
MESSAGE FROM HEAD OF FAMILY SERVICES
HMP & YOI Parc has, over the fourteen years developed a specific strategy and model of family support services that we believe make a clear positive impact on residents in our care, their children, family and significant others.
We are committed to delivering the best possible family service to those who need it and always strive to ensure that all our visitors and those in our care get maximum benefits from every visit. We welcome regular feedback from all involved to continually maintain these high standards.
Fundamentally we acknowledge that we have both a professional and a moral obligation to support, guide, and help everyone in our custody with regard to their family, parenting, and relationship situation where it is safe and appropriate to do so, and likewise, that what we do in this regard can have significant positive impacts to children and families in the community.
Our Family Intervention strategy and model is built upon official research findings from respected British academics, charities, the Prison Service, Ministry of Justice, and other governmental bodies, as well as numerous similar publications from international organisations and partners.
In particular, we are closely aligned with:
- The 19 recommendations of the Lord Farmer Review 2017
- The 46 HMIP Expectations for children and families 2017
- The 34 HMPPS ‘Good Industry Practice’ Measures 2019
- The HMPPS ‘Delivering Effective Family Practice’ 2018
- HMP & YOI Parc ‘Reducing Reoffending Strategy’ (annual)
- ‘Invisible Walls Wales’ research publication 2017/18
Our Family and Significant Other strategy is held on the NICCO website.
HMP & YOI Parc Family and Significant Other Strategy 2022-2023 – NICCO
Family & Significant other Champions:
Hayley Morris, Senior Manager of Family Services
Victoria Jenkins, Operational Manager of Family Services
Parc Supporting Families: 01656 300351 & 01656 302813
Barnardo’s (Visitor Centre) 01656 300202
Senior Children, Families and Relationship Manager – Hayley Morris
VISITING THE PRISON
We hope you find the visits section of this web site helpful. The information has been made readily available in order to ensure that visitors arriving at HMP & YOI Parc are able to enjoy their visit, and gain the maximum benefit from it.
DETAILS OF VISITS BOOKINGS
Prisoners are responsible for booking their own visits; this is done by using an application on the Central Management System (CMS) – accessed via touchscreen computer terminals that are located on each unit in the establishment. Once a visit has been approved it is up to the individual prisoner to inform his family and friends of the date and time of the visit.
– The maximum time a visit can be booked is 14 days in advance and the minimum is 3 days in advance.
– Prisoners can book up to 3 adult visitors per session and 3 children less than 10 Years of age. However, if the child is over 10 they will be classed as an adult.
– It is the responsibility of the prisoner to book and inform friends and family of the time and date of visits.
– Staff are not responsible for booking or informing family and friends of visits or cancellation of visits.
– It is also the responsibility of the prisoner to inform visitors of correct identification requirements as well as other visit regulations.
Acceptable forms of ID- Acceptable forms of identification (ID) when visiting a prison in England and Wales (Annex A) – GOV.UK
Acceptable Clothing – HMP PARC dress code for visitors
There are strict controls on what you can take into HMP Parc. Each adult visitor is allowed to take in:
- Essential medication – doctors letter may be required and any tablets must remain in packaging.
- Up to £30 cash (per adult), as there are refreshments available to purchase.
Additional Visitors Information: – Keeping in touch
There are several ways you can keep in touch with a prisoner during their time at HMP Parc
- Secure video calls
Secure video calling is available, family and friends will need to download the Purple Visits app, create an account, register all visitors and add the prisoner to their contact list.
- Phone calls
Prisoners have phones in their cells but these do not accept incoming calls. They are able to make calls every day between 6:30am and 11pm. 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.
You can also exchange voicemails using the Prison Voicemail service.
Officers may listen to phone calls as a way of preventing crime and helping keep people safe.
You can send emails to someone in HMP Parc using the Email a Prisoner service.
You are also able to attach photos and receive replies from the prisoner.
- Letters
You can write at any time. Please Include the person’s name and prisoner number on the envelope. If you do not know their prisoner number, please use Prisoner finder:
Use the Prisoner Location Service to find people in prison when you do not know which prison they are in. The prisoner must give their permission for their information to be shared, unless you belong to certain organisations such as the police or a solicitors’ firm. You can only use this service to find someone in an English or Welsh prison. findaprisoner@justice.gov.uk
Include as much of the following as you can:
- your name, or the organisation you represent
- your date of birth
- your address including postcode
- name of the person you want to find
- the reason you want to find them – for example you’re their solicitor, or a family member
- any other names they may have used
- their date of birth
All post, apart from legal letters, will be opened and checked by officers.
- Sending money
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
Prisoners at HMP Parc are given a list of approved items that can be sent to them under certain circumstances. A prisoner can apply to receive a clothing parcel either sent in or handed in on a visit within the first 28 days following conviction. This needs to be approved before items can be sent in.
You can also send books directly to 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.
Make sure to include the prisoner’s name and prisoner number on any delivery.
All parcels will be opened and checked by officers.
VISITING TIMES
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MAIN HOUSE BLOCKS VISITS | COED UNIT VISITS | YP’s VISITS |
Monday - Thursday | Monday - Thursday 17:45 - 18:45 | Monday - Thursday |
Friday Saturday and Sunday 09:00 - 10:00 | Thursday | |
Friday Saturday and Sunday 09:00 - 10:00 | Saturday and Sunday 09:00 - 10:00 |
IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
All visitors to closed prisons over the age of 18, whether visiting for social or official purposes, must be required to prove their identity at reception. Children need only provide their name and date of birth.
Two forms of up-to-date identification will be required to gain entry to the prison including one photographic identification and one proof of address:
Proof of address can include:
– Utility bill
– Benefit book
– Council tax/tax credit award
– Household bill or statement with the address on
For other forms of ID that may be acceptable please contact the prison
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DETAILS OF SECURITY PROCEDURES
All visitors, aged 16 or older, must prove their identity before entering HMP Parc. Read the list of acceptable forms of ID when visiting a prison.
- All visitors will need to be given a pat-down search, including children.
- Security dogs may also be in operation on your arrival to the prison.
- Visitors must adhere to the prison dress code that applies.
- There are strict controls on what you can take into HMP Parc. You will have to leave most of the things you have with you in a locker in the visitors’ centre or in your car – this includes pushchairs and car seats.
Information on the availability of extra/family visits
HMP Parc runs a minimum of 12 family days a year. These family-focused specialised visit events: run in the visits hall on the last Wednesday of each month. A buffet provided and children’s activities which can have seasonal themes and are staffed in collaboration with the unit hosting the event.
HMP Parc also operates double visits provision for those who travel a distance and stay overnight to receive visits. Prisoners can request these via the CMS Terminals.
ASSISTED VISITS
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 Parc Prison
- somewhere to stay overnight
- meals
English (UK) 
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