Winchester Prison
Winchester is a men’s prison and young offender institution (YOI) in the centre of Winchester, Hampshire.
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Book and plan your visit to Winchester
Winchester prison is at stage 3 in the National Framework for Prisons. We are now preparing to open for visits and we will update this page with specific visiting information as soon as possible.
Find out more about visiting someone in prison during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can also follow @HMPPS on Twitter and read a rolling update page.
There are a number of other ways to contact someone in prison if you are unable to visit them. You can:
- leave a voice message using the Prison Voicemail Service
- send them an email using the email a prisoner service
- write to them
- use secure video calling
You can also contact the Prisoners’ Families Helpline on 0808 808 2003.
Keep in touch with someone at Winchester
There are several ways you can keep in touch with a prisoner during their time at Winchester.
Secure video calls
Secure video calling is available at this prison. Family and friends need to download the purple visits app, create an account, register all visitors, and add the prisoner to their contact list.
Phone calls
Prisoners do not have phones in their rooms 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.
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 Winchester using the Email a Prisoner service.
You might also be able to attach photos and receive replies, depending on the rules at Winchester.
Letters
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 Winchester.
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
Contact Winchester for information on sending property to prisoners.
Life at Winchester
Winchester Prison is committed to providing a safe and engaging environment where men can learn new skills to help them on release.
The prison aims to provide a service to the men that is caring, kind and compassionate, allowing them to feel valued members of the prison community.
Security and safeguarding
Every person at Winchester has a right to feel safe. The staff are responsible for their safeguarding and welfare at all times.
All safeguarding processes are overseen by the Hampshire Safeguarding Adults Board.
Arrival and first night
When a prisoner first arrives at Winchester, 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 get to speak to someone who will check how they’re feeling and ask about any immediate health and wellbeing needs.
Induction
Each person who arrives at Winchester 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
Around 690 men live at Winchester. The rooms in the main wings are mostly shared. The rooms in the Westhill unit are all single.
A gym provides prisoners with recreational activities.
Education and work
Prisoners have access to education provided by Milton Keynes College.
Work is available throughout the prison in areas such as recycling, light assembly, textiles, catering and IT. Prisoners can also work on the wings decorating, cleaning and serving meals.
Temporary release
Release on temporary licence (ROTL) may be offered in certain circumstances.
Organisations Winchester works with
Winchester works with Catch 22, a not-for-profit business, to help prisoners prepare for their release. They provide support with things like housing, employment, finance and relationships.
There are opportunities for prisoners to take part in Saints 4 Sport. The programme uses sport to help participants put routine and purpose back into their lives.
Support for family and friends
Find out about advice and helplines for family and friends.
Support at Winchester
The Prison Advice and Care Trust (PACT) offers support for friends and families of men at Winchester.
Problems and complaints
If you have a problem contact Winchester . If you cannot resolve the problem directly, you can make a complaint to HM Prison and Probation Service.
HM Prison and Probation Service publishes action plans for Winchester in response to independent inspections.
Contact Winchester
Governor: James Bourke
Main switchboard: 01962 723 000
Community mental health team: 01962 723 000
Fax: 01962 723 001 (main office) or 01962 723 108 (Westhill unit)
Find out about call charges
Address
HMP/YOI Winchester
Romsey Road
Winchester
SO22 5DF
Safer custody hotline
If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a man in Winchester, call the safer custody hotline.
Telephone: 01962 723 320
Find out about call charges
Leave your name, telephone number, the man’s name and prisoner number and a brief message about your concerns. You should be called back within 24 hours.
In an emergency, call the switchboard.
Last updated 21 May 2021 + show all updates
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Prison moved into National Stage 3 framework and is now preparing to open visits for family, friends and significant others. We will update this page with specific visiting information as soon as possible.
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Updated visiting information in line with new local restriction tiers.
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Updated visiting information in line with new local restriction tiers.
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Updated visiting information in line with new local restriction tiers.
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Updated visiting information in line with new national restrictions in England.
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Updated visiting information in line with coronavirus restrictions.
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First published.