Wealstun Prison

Book and plan your visit to Wealstun

Keep in touch with someone at Wealstun

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

Phone calls

Prisoners have phones in their rooms but 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.

Calls can be made by prisoners at these times:

• Monday to Thursday, 6:30am to 8am, 11:30am to 1pm, 5:30pm to 11pm
  
• Fridays, 6:30am to 8pm, 11:30am to 11pm
  
• Weekends and bank holidays: 6:30am to 11pm
  

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.

Email

You can send emails to someone in Wealstun 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 Wealstun.

Secure video calls

Secure video calling is available at this prison. Family and friends will need to download the Prison Video app, create an account, register all visitors and add the prisoner to their contact list.

Read more about how it works

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 Wealstun.

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

No gifts can be sent.

‘Enhanced’ prisoners can apply for approval to have a clothing parcel sent in 2 times a year.

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 Wealstun

Wealstun is committed to providing a safe and educational environment where men can learn new skills to help them on release.

Wealstun is serious about reducing the risk of re-offending so men are expected to take part in their sentence plans and demonstrate good citizenship and behaviour at all times. Behaviour will affect their privileges in prison, whether they are re-categorised and considered for early release.

The prison has a strict drug policy which includes mandatory drug testing and investigating the supply and use of drugs. There are many drug treatment programmes on offer, a drug support wing, help from peers and a personal officer scheme.

Security and safeguarding

Every person at Wealstun 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.

All safeguarding processes are overseen by the Leeds Safeguarding Adults Board.

A Listener scheme (supported by the Samaritans) is available for those who need to talk and there is peer support, race equality representatives and an information desk.

Arrival and first night

When a prisoner first arrives at Wealstun, 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 Wealstun 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

Wealstun houses around 800 men, mostly in single rooms, but there are 22 double rooms.

Education and work

Wealstun offers both full and part-time education and work. There are production workshops and training courses in construction, industrial cleaning, computers, gardening and catering.

It also provides offending behaviour programmes to help address behaviour and substance abuse.

Organisations Wealstun works with

The prison is supported by charities specializing in substance and gambling addiction, sexual health and victim support.

Healthcare is provided by the agency Care UK.

Support for family and friends

Find out about advice and helplines for family and friends.

Support at Wealstun

The charity Jigsaw offers family support services.

It offers:

• practical support to maintain family ties, including child contact
• emotional support for prisoners and families
• help in signposting men and their families to other organisations that can help with individual issues

Problems and complaints

If you have a problem contact Wealstun.

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

Contact Wealstun

Governor: Diane Lewis

Telephone: 01937 444 400
Open 24 hours
Fax: 01937 444 401
Find out about call charges

Follow Wealstun on Twitter

Address

See map

Safer custody hotline

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a man in Wealstun, call the safer custody (at risk) hotline.

Telephone: 01937 444 774
Find out about call charges

Leave your name, telephone number and the reason for your call. Also leave the name and prisoner number of your loved one. You will get a call back within 24 hours.

In an emergency, call the switchboard on 01937 444 400.