book a visit at swansea prison

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https://gds.blog.gov.uk/2014/09/15/you-can-now-book-a-prison-visit-online/

You can now book a prison visit online

Booking a prison visit should be simple and straightforward. Until now that was far from the case. Booking a visit required both prisoner and visitor to jump through hoops: paper forms and drawn-out phone calls. And if the visit date turned out to be impossible, they had to start all over again.

Now you can book a visit online . It takes about 5 minutes. Before, picking an available date was pot luck. Now there's a date-picker that lets you select 3 possible slots instead of 1. It’s a straight-forward service with user-needs at its heart but, if you get stuck, you can call the prison's visits booking line and someone will help you with the booking.

Here's a very short film we've made about it:

By making it easier to book visits, prisoners will see more of their friends and family. Evidence suggests this will help their rehabilitation. Transformation isn't just about websites.

The service was built by the Ministry of Justice, with a combined team from the National Offender Management Service, HM Prison Service and MoJ Digital Services.

For more of the story behind this service, read Mike Bracken's account of his trip to HMP Rochester or check out the service’s transformation page .

Join the conversation on Twitter , and don't forget to sign up for email alerts .

You may also be interested in:

• Prison visit booking: using digital analytics to inform alpha development
• Making prison visits easier to book
• Meet the Transformation team

Sharing and comments

Share this page, 20 comments.

Comment by Pauline posted on 23 August 2015

How do you find out the prisoners number??? so you can go ahead with online booking of a visit?

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 24 August 2015

You can find a prisoner using this service: https://www.gov.uk/find-prisoner However it will be the prisoner's responsibility to get in touch with you to let you know their prison number etc.

Comment by linda posted on 15 August 2015

This service does not appear to work this is day 2 trying to use it

Comment by Olivia posted on 30 July 2015

Hi, If a visit is booked and someone cant make it, is it possible to change the name of one of the people to someone else?

Comment by Louise Duffy posted on 30 July 2015

It's best to contact the prison directly if this happens. You can find contact details here: http://www.justice.gov.uk/contacts/prison-finder

Thanks, Louise

Comment by Paige posted on 28 July 2015

Hi my partner was sent to nottingham today, I was on his previous list 4 months ago for a visit. Will that still be on the system all will it have to he put through again if so how long does it take to be approved for a visit? Thanks Paige.

Comment by Louise Duffy posted on 29 July 2015

You might want to get in touch with the prison first before booking a visit. You can find the contact details of the prison here: http://www.justice.gov.uk/contacts/prison-finder

Comment by Debs posted on 27 July 2015

Hello Is there a list of prisons where online booking can't be used?

Comment by Louise Duffy posted on 28 July 2015

According to the information on this page: https://www.gov.uk/prison-visits , you can arrange a visit to any prison in England and Wales through this service. If you're visiting someone in Northern Ireland or Scotland you'll need to contact the prison directly.

This link also lists the type of visits that are not covered by the online service: https://www.gov.uk/prison-visits so you need to get in touch with the prison directly.

Hope that's helpful.

Comment by c.steer posted on 26 July 2015

So how do I find the booking form to fill in I am new to computers

Comment by Louise Duffy posted on 27 July 2015

Here's the link to the booking form: https://www.gov.uk/prison-visits

You'll need this information to complete the form:

prisoner number prisoner’s date of birth dates of birth for all visitors coming with you make sure the person you’re visiting has added you to their visitor list

Hope that's useful.

Comment by Shawnaa posted on 09 May 2015

i have a visit booked which i did online but i do not have a visiting order woll the prison let me in?

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 11 May 2015

Your identity will be checked on arrival to make sure you’re on the visitor list.

Comment by jessicca posted on 27 January 2015

What happens after you book the visit and its confirmed by email do you need the visiting order ?

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 29 January 2015

The Visiting Order (VO) number is generated by the booking system, it is included in your confirmation email and you will need this to change or cancel a booking.

However, if you're visiting a prison the guidance is that you only need your ID, not the VO number. If when you visit the prison you are asked for the VO number you should report this via the Contact Us link on the Prison Visits Booking form.

I hope that helps.

Comment by Ilysa Mcnally posted on 18 November 2014

How late in advance can I book e.g. book a visit today (Tuesday) for the Sunday coming???

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 19 November 2014

Hi Ilysa. Thanks for your question. A visit needs to be booked 3 working days in advance. So in this case, the visit request would have to be no later than Tuesday to allow for a visit on Sunday.

Comment by carole posted on 23 October 2014

How far in advance can you book visits

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 23 October 2014

Hi Carole. You can book up to 28 days in advance. Thanks for your question.

Comment by kimberly posted on 16 August 2015

does anyone know how to cancel a visit online?

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HMP Swansea, Visits & getting there

Visits are held at the following times:

• Mon – Fri: 10:00-11:30, 13:45-14:45, 15:15-16:15
• Sat- Sun: 13:45-14:45, 15:15-16:15

You can book online at www.gov.uk/prison-visits . All you need is the name and date of birth of the person you are visiting , their prisoner number and details of the visitors. You can choose up to 3 possible dates and times. Prison booking staff will check what’s available and confirm your visit by email. If you’ve made an online visit booking request and haven’t received a confirmation email within 1-3 working days, email [email protected] .

You can book by phone on 01792 485322. Lines are open Monday to Friday 08:30 – 12:15 & 13:45 – 16:00. All visits must be booked at least 24 hours in advance.

There is a visitors centre click here  or call 01792-458645. You are advised to arrive ¾ hrs before your visit for the formalities. You will be expected to provide photo ID and proof of address, and you will be searched prior to being admitted to the visits hall. Like at all prisons, you can’t take mobiles, cigarettes etc into the visits hall and these need to be left in lockers.

The prison is close to the city centre opposite city hall. From the Quadrant Bus Station, walk to the seafront, cross two sets of traffic lights and the prison is on your right hand side. From the train station it is about a 20 mins walk.

If driving from the M4 westbound exit at junction 42 and then take the A483 (Fabian Way), go past the Amazon warehouse, which is on your right-hand side. Go through the next 5 sets of traffic lights (you will pass a Sainsburys on your left at the third set of lights). Go along the sea front, through four further sets of traffic lights. The prison is on your right hand side. The prison doesn’t have a visitor’s car park, but there is a public car park opposite

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Staying in touch with someone in prison

Visiting someone in prison.

You can make an online request to visit someone in prison in most cases.

You can only visit a prisoner if they’ve added you to their visitor list. The prison will contact you once you’re on this list.

Get help with the cost of visiting someone

You might be able to get help paying for a prison visit , for example travel costs, if you’re receiving certain benefits.

How often you can visit someone in prison

A convicted prisoner is usually allowed at least two 1-hour visits every 4 weeks.

A prisoner on remand (waiting for their trial) is allowed three 1-hour visits a week.

You can find out more about the exact rules on visits on the prison information page of the prison you’re visiting.

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What Is Swansea Prison Like?

What is Swansea Prison like? Located in South Wales, Swansea Prison is a Category B/C facility, primarily housing male inmates. The prison, originally built in 1861, has evolved to accommodate modern correctional needs while retaining some of its historical architecture. Understanding the conditions and daily life within Swansea Prison can provide insight into the UK’s correctional system.

Historical Background of Swansea Prison

Swansea Prison has a long history dating back to the 19th century. Initially designed to house a small number of inmates, it has undergone several expansions and modernizations. The prison’s architecture reflects its age, with older sections juxtaposed against more recent developments aimed at improving living conditions and security.

Accommodation and Facilities

Swansea Prison’s accommodation ranges from shared cells to single occupancy units. Each cell is equipped with basic amenities, including a bed, toilet, and storage space. Inmates have access to educational and recreational facilities, such as a library, gym, and workshops. The prison also provides healthcare services, ensuring that inmates receive necessary medical attention.

Daily Life in Swansea Prison

The daily routine in Swansea Prison is structured to promote discipline and rehabilitation. Inmates follow a strict schedule that includes designated times for meals, work, education, and leisure activities. The prison offers various programs aimed at skill development, which can help inmates reintegrate into society upon release.

Visitation Policies

Visiting an inmate at Swansea Prison requires adherence to specific protocols. Visitors must book appointments in advance and comply with security checks upon arrival. The visiting area is designed to facilitate interaction while maintaining security. Regular visits from family and friends are encouraged to support inmates’ mental well-being.

Rehabilitation and Education Programs

Rehabilitation is a core focus at Swansea Prison. The institution offers numerous educational programs, from basic literacy classes to vocational training. Inmates can participate in courses that enhance their employment prospects post-release. Additionally, substance abuse programs and psychological counseling are available to address various rehabilitation needs.

Security Measures

Security at Swansea Prison is paramount. The facility employs a range of measures, including CCTV surveillance, controlled access points, and regular patrols. Staff are trained to handle emergencies and ensure the safety of both inmates and personnel. These protocols are essential in maintaining order and preventing incidents.

Healthcare Services

Healthcare services at Swansea Prison are comprehensive, providing inmates with access to doctors, nurses, and mental health professionals. Routine check-ups, emergency care, and ongoing treatments are part of the healthcare provision. The prison also has protocols in place for managing infectious diseases and chronic conditions.

Community Engagement and Support

Swansea Prison engages with the local community through various initiatives. Volunteer programs, partnerships with local businesses, and support groups for families of inmates are integral to its operation. These efforts aim to create a supportive network for inmates, both during their sentence and after release.

Challenges and Improvements

Like any correctional facility, Swansea Prison faces challenges such as overcrowding and resource limitations. However, continuous improvements are made to address these issues. Investment in infrastructure, staff training, and inmate programs are ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of life within the prison and ensure effective rehabilitation.

What is Swansea Prison like? It is a facility with a rich history, dedicated to rehabilitation and maintaining high standards of care and security. Understanding its operations and efforts to improve inmate conditions can provide a broader perspective on the UK’s prison system.

FAQs about Swansea Prison

What is Swansea Prison like for new inmates?

• New inmates undergo an induction process to familiarize them with the prison’s rules and routines. Support is provided to help them adjust.

Can inmates at Swansea Prison access education?

• Yes, Swansea Prison offers various educational programs, including literacy classes, vocational training, and higher education courses.

How often can family members visit inmates at Swansea Prison?

• Family members can visit inmates regularly, but visits must be booked in advance and adhere to the prison’s visitation policies.

What healthcare services are available at Swansea Prison?

• Inmates have access to comprehensive healthcare services, including general medical care, mental health support, and emergency treatment.

Are there opportunities for inmates to work at Swansea Prison?

• Yes, inmates can participate in work programs within the prison, which help develop skills and prepare them for employment post-release.

What is the security like at Swansea Prison?

• Security is stringent, with measures such as CCTV surveillance, controlled access, and regular patrols to ensure the safety of inmates and staff.

How does Swansea Prison support inmate rehabilitation?

• The prison offers various rehabilitation programs, including substance abuse treatment, educational courses, and vocational training.

Can inmates receive mail and packages at Swansea Prison?

• Yes, inmates can receive mail and approved packages, which are subject to inspection for security purposes.

What is the history of Swansea Prison?

• Swansea Prison was built in 1861 and has since undergone several expansions and modernizations to meet contemporary correctional needs.

What recreational activities are available to inmates at Swansea Prison?

• Inmates have access to recreational facilities such as a gym, library, and sports programs to promote physical and mental well-being.

Summary and Conclusion

Swansea Prison is a key institution in the UK’s correctional system, focusing on rehabilitation, security, and community engagement. Through continuous improvements and comprehensive programs, the prison aims to provide a safe and supportive environment for inmates.

External Link for More Information: UK Government – Prisons and Probation.  Visit our other prison pages such as Swaleside Prison.

URLs Used for Research:

• https://www.gov.uk/browse/justice/prisons-probation
• https://www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmiprisons/inspections/swansea/

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Guide to Booking Your First Prison Visit

Visiting a loved one in prison can be an emotionally-wrought experience, especially if this is your first time. It’s normal to feel nervous. Here is a comprehensive guide designed to help ease your concerns and answer your questions about booking your first prison visit in the UK:

The Basic Rules

Every prison in the UK has their own set of rules for visits. Generally, you are allowed a certain number of visits in a specified period.

Booking a Visit

You can’t just show up at the prison; you have to book your visitation in advance. The usual method for booking a visit is through the government’s official Prison Visits Booking website. You need to provide the prisoner’s name and prisoner number, and you would also have to provide your own personal details like your full name, contact number, and date of birth.

Visiting Order (VO)

Before visiting a prison, you need to receive a Visiting Order from the prisoner that you plan to visit. This rule, however, may vary depending on the prison’s individual visitation rules.

Identification

When you visit a prison, you’re required to provide a certain level of identification. This typically involves your passport or driving license and utility bills showing your current address. If you don’t provide the right ID, you may not be allowed to visit.

What You Can Bring

The rules about what you can bring into a prison are rigorous. You’re not expected to bring anything in, but if you do, it’s likely to be thoroughly searched.

Searching Process

When you enter a prison, you’ll be searched. This is an essential part of maintaining the safety and security of everyone involved.

• Physical Search: This involves a metal detector and possibly a pat down.
• Biometric Tests: These include fingerprint scans. Your biometric data gets destroyed after your visit.
• Drug Detection Dogs: You may also be screened by drug detection dogs.

What You Can Expect

During your time in the prison, you can expect to see your loved one in a communal area. Visits are typically supervised, though they try to give you some privacy. There might also be a limit to the physical contact you’re allowed with the prisoner.

Remember, prison visits are all about keeping connected with your loved one and offering them moral support. The rules might seem overwhelmingly strict, but they’re there to protect all parties involved. If you’ve got specific concerns or questions, do seek advice from the prison you’re planning to visit or a support network like the Prison Advice and Care Trust.

What is the cheapest way to call from Prison?

Is it cheaper to call a landline from prison.

Swansea Prison

Tel: 01792 485300  –  200 Oystermouth Road Swansea West Glamorgan SA1 3SR

HMP Swansea, which is often called Cox’s Farm by locals (after an ex-governor), is a category B / C local prison, which has a capacity of 445. It first opened in 1861, when it held both men and women inmates, until 1922 when it became male only. These days, it holds both adult and young adult men, and has a capacity of 445. If you’d like to visit HMP Swansea, please refer to the map on this page for details on how to get there.

Tel: 01792 485300

Operational capacity: 445

200 Oystermouth Road Swansea West Glamorgan SA1 3SR

Prison Phone have been saving inmates at HMP Swansea money on their calls from the prison to any UK mobile phone since 2013.

We do this by allocating a dedicated and secure local number to your mobile phone, this means when the inmate at Swansea prison calls the new local number we have provided they will be charged at just the local landline rate (around 10p per minute) rather than the standard mobile rate (which is around 40p per minute).

This in turn helps to stretch the inmates PINS phone credit further and reduces the amount you need to send in for them to top up!

Send me Swansea prison details via FREE SMS

Mobile number:

Here’s some facts about Swansea Prison

HMP Swansea, often called Cox’s Farm by locals after a former governor, is a category B / C men’s prison in Swansea, West Glamorgan. Opened in 1861, and holding both male and female inmates until 1922, the prison has capacity to hold 445 male inmates.

A wing holds 178 inmates. B wing , the first night and induction unit, holds 53. C wing holds 42 inmates. D and F wing hold 166, and E wing, the segregation unit, can hold 5 men.

Three offenders gained access to the roof of the building after a smoking ban in April 2016. They were first spotted at 09:50, and descended seven hours later at 17:00. Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service were at the scene with specialist negotiators.

To view the latest HMIP inspection report, click here .

Visiting hours are 13:45 – 15:15 Mon-Tue, 09:30 – 10:45, 13:45 – 14:45, & 15:15 – 16:45 Wed-Fri, and 13:45 – 14:45 & 15:15 – 16:15 Sat-Sun.

In 2002, a report revealed that the prison was the most overcrowded in Wales. This is a problem that still continues to this day.

Inmates in HMP Swansea have been training as Samaritans and Listeners in the jail.

HMP Swansea has an intensive prisoner support unit, designed to help ‘poor copers’, such as self-harmers or those with mental health problems.

Prison Phone offers phone tariffs that reduce the costs of calls from this prison by up to 75%! This enables prisoners to get the support and love that they are missing from home, while reducing costs for the inmate. Find out more below.

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Book a visit to prison

You will need to book a visit if you want to see someone in prison. You can book online to arrange an in person visit or a virtual visit with a prisoner or you can telephone the prison Visits Booking Office.

The service to book a prison visit online will be unavailable from 12.30 pm  and 2.00 pm on Tuesday 10 September due to essential maintenance. Apologies for any inconvenience.

If you haven't visited a prison before you will need to phone to book your visit. You will be provided with your unique visitor identification number. Once  you have this you can start to book online.

Booking online

To book online for an in person visit or a virtual visit you will need:  

• to have previously booked a visit
• the visit reference number for the prisoner
• the prisoner's number
• your unique visitor identification number
• your date of birth
• your e-mail address and contact number
• the unique visitor identification number and dates of birth for all additional visitors (not needed for a virtual visit)

If you do not have these details, you should phone the relevant booking office.

Booking by telephone

To book a visit by telephone you will need:

• the visit reference number for the prisoner 
• the unique visitor identification number and dates of birth for all additional visitors

If you don't have a unique visitor identification number, you can get one from the booking office which you can use for future visits.

If the person you are visiting has just arrived in prison you will need to ring the booking office and they can arrange a visit.

Virtual visits

A virtual visit can last up to 20 minutes. The visitor can use a personal computer, mobile device or smartphone to have this meeting with the prisoner.

All virtual visits are supervised, if NIPS become aware of any behaviour, language or actions which are considered inappropriate, this will result in the visit ending early and possible removal of the facility in the future.

• Guide to arranging an online visit
• Privacy notice  explaining your rights to privacy when you arrange an online visit

Registering for visits

All visitors need to be registered in the prison they are visiting. When you arrive at Visits Reception you need to be photographed, have a scan taken of your finger and you should bring identification.

• more information about registering for visits

Bringing proof of identification to prison

When you first visit someone in prison, you will need to be registered on the prison system as a visitor. You will need to bring proof of identification with you when you are being registered.

• more information about the types of identification needed

Useful links

• Visiting someone in prison

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Call 0800 587 0912  Email [email protected]

Employment and Support Allowance

Call 0800 587 1377

Jobseeker’s Allowance

Contact your local Jobs & Benefits office

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Call 0800 587 0932

If your query is about another benefit, select ‘Other’ from the drop-down menu above.

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For queries about:

• Car tax, vehicle registration and SORN contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), Swansea  
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Swansea prison: the hidden suffering on our doorstep

The university experience is often described as existing within a ‘bubble’, flush with responsibilities and pressures which may well shape our lives for years to come. Our whole world shrinks down to the campus on which we work, the homes in which we rest, and the routine of day-to-day student life. Our University begins to feel like an independent society, with its own unique structure of groups and institutions.   

Sometimes, it’s easy to forget that we belong to the world beyond, a world to which we ought to lend our attention.  

It is no secret that Swansea faces huge obstacles. The city is not immune to the poverty which has sunk its claws into much of the rest of Wales. The 2014 Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation identified 12% of Swansea’s local areas as falling within the top 10% of those most deprived in Wales. Gross value added (basically a measure of the value of goods and services produced in an area) per person in Swansea is 28.3% below the UK average. At least 1 in 6 children live in extreme poverty and 6,100 adults living in Swansea are unemployed. Just across the waters of Swansea Bay stand the steelworks of Port Talbot – the symbol of an industry so much in crisis that, last year, workers took a cut to their pensions in order to keep it open.   

These problems have been ruminated over by citizens, politicians, and council representatives for years. Now, however, awareness of an old injustice is just coming to light.   

Swansea prison was built between 1845 and 1861, and today functions as a Category B/C men’s prison located on the side of Oystermouth Road in the Sandfields area. Most of us will have passed it on our way into the city centre: a block of Victorian stone punctuated by a reddish arched door, the respective flags of the UK, Wales, and HM Prison Service flapping proudly behind its railings.   

In the August of 2017, the watchdog HM Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) carried out an unannounced inspection of Swansea prison. Details of its conditions have emerged since the publication of the report in the January of this year.  

The findings are shocking. In the past six years, eight inmates have taken their own lives – all within the first week of their arrival at the prison. In the six months prior to the investigation there were 134 reported instances of self-harm amongst prisoners.   

It was also noted that violence between inmates had risen since the previous inspection in 2014, and the city-centre location of the prison itself presented a higher risk of contraband – in particular, drugs – being thrown over walls to inmates. The report also noted that 17% of inmates had become addicted to drugs after the start of their sentences in the prison, and the provision of clean bedding and clothing was described as ‘unacceptably poor’. The report added that the prison had a ‘complacent and inexcusable’ attitude towards the safety of the most vulnerable prisoners in its care.  

The report further detailed how ‘prisoners usually had to eat their meals next to their toilets, which did not always have seats or lids’, due to overcrowding and a shortage of staff.  

Peter Clarke, Chief Inspector of Prisons called the report ‘very disappointing’.  

‘Between our last inspection in 2014 and when we went back in the middle of last year there have been four further self-inflicted deaths – all in similar circumstances, all in the early days of the individual’s imprisonment at Swansea jail,’ Mr Clarke said.  

‘Quite simply, not enough has been done to understand the sort of problems they may have been facing and to prevent them inflicting harm and death upon themselves.’  

He added that rates of self-harm described in the report were ‘clearly unacceptable’, and pointed out that, of 63 recommendations made to the prison following the 2014 inspection, only eight had been put into action.   

‘As it stands at the moment, our conclusion is that it’s not fit for purpose in that its standards are not acceptable.’  

  It is not the first time that Swansea prison has come under fire for the living conditions which its inmates face. In the November of last year, Alun Davies of the Welsh mental health charity Hafal – who closely works with members of the prison and criminal justice systems – spoke to BBC Wales’  Newyddion 9  of the ‘pressure cooker’ conditions facing inmates.   

‘The stories I hear from different sources who have been in [Swansea] prison is that very often on the weekend prisoners are locked up from Friday afternoon to Monday morning through lack of staff.’  

Chief executive of the Howard League, Frances Crook, described the situation at the prison as “really disgusting”.  

‘It’s smelly, people can’t get showers, they’ve got nothing to do, they get very little food,’ she said.  

‘Of course, there’s going to be as a result of that deteriorating mental health, there’s going to be drugs and violence and assaults, and it puts the staff at serious risk.’  

  Of course, it is worth noting that these issues are not unique to HMP Swansea. Indeed, the Prison Governors Association said that the ‘issues highlighted in the Swansea report are fairly systemic across the prison system.’  

In particular, overcrowding and the poor level of mental health and personal safety this enables are symptoms of the prison system throughout the country.   

However, the problem has arguably come to a head. Swansea prison was designed to hold a capacity of 268 prisoners – at the time of this report it houses 438. As such, it is the third most overcrowded prison in all of England and Wales.   

Why should students care?  

Wherever we are from, we have chosen to make Swansea our home for three, four, perhaps many more years. We belong to the city and it belongs to us in the give-and-take relationship of any human being with their environment. The prison nestles itself comfortably between our coffee shops, our takeaways, our streets, and our homes. It is a visible presence right on our doorstep, and yet the degradations within its walls are hidden to us.   

Just as this city belongs to us, these degradations do. As University students we have been granted privileges that many will never know, and we have a responsibility to employ these to help those who, for structural reasons, have found themselves relegated to different circumstances.  

Let us summon up some of that classic student radicalism, and raise our voices against this product of the prison system which has allowed such human degradation to fester right in the heart of our city.  

by Polly Manning

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What really happens in prison including arrival, punishments, and privileges

From earning money and qualifications to the rules you have to follow – this is exactly what new inmates in prison are faced with

• 04:00, 27 APR 2024

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While it is hopefully not a question most of us will have to ask ourselves it is important to know what happens behind bars. In order for the justice system to work it needs to be fully transparent.

In November 2023 MP for Dwyfor Meirionnydd Liz Saville-Roberts told the House of Commons 177 people were held in prison within Wales for every 100,000 of the population compared to 146 in England and Scotland and 100 in Northern Ireland. The average number of people held in the Welsh prison estate, within the five prisons of Berwyn, Cardiff , Parc, Swansea and, considered together, Usk and Prescoed, surpassed 5,000 for the first time in 2022.

Meanwhile the Ministry of Justice estimates that the prison population will grow to 94,400 in the UK by March 2025 – some 7,800 more than in July 2023. From the process upon arriving at prison, to the healthcare services, and policies around those who are vulnerable or pregnant, here are t he processes, punishments, and privileges in prison according to the UK Government. For the latest analysis of the biggest stories sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here .

Read more: Drugs, fear and death inside a crisis-hit Welsh prison

Read more: This prison in Wales has a working farm where inmates milk cows

What happens when you arrive

Upon your arrival at prison you will have to go to at least one interview and assessment during which they will explain your rights to you as well as see if you require physical or mental health help with things such as sexual-, drug-, or alcohol-related problems. You will also receive information on what courses are available to you in prison and what the rules and procedures will be.

This is also where your property is recorded and kept safe for you elsewhere until the time of your release as well as giving inmates their security category. This is based both on your risk of causing harm to other prisoners and staff and how likely you are to try and escape.

What are your rights while in prison?

As with everyone else people in prison still have rights which should be protected and enforced. You will still be entitled to:

Protection from bullying and racial harassment

Contact with a solicitor

Healthcare (both physical and mental)

Between 30 minutes to an hour of fresh air each day

What can you do while in prison?

You can learn new skills or improve existing ones during your time behind bars in reading, writing, maths, and computing. Depending on the prison you can get an individual learning plan which will have specific courses and training you want to take to prepare you for the job you want upon release. The qualifications you receive will be similar to those outside such as GCSEs. You may even be able to do Open University classes.

What are the privileges you could earn?

Each prison will be different and the staff will be able to explain how depending on where you are. It is possible however for prisoners who follow the rules to earn certain “privileges” under the ‘Incentives and earned privileges scheme’. This could include getting more visits from family and friends to the ability to earn more money.

How do you make money while in prison?

If you are involved in a workshop in prison, such as making clothes, furniture, or doing electrical engineering, you can earn money. You could even get a job working around the prison itself such as in the kitchens or laundry room. A low-risk prisoner may be permitted to work in the community.

Can you be punished further while in prison?

Prisons have rules and if you break those rules you will be punished. This could include:

Being kept in your cell for up to 21 days

Given up to 42 extra days to serve on top of your original sentence

Every prison is different but some allow for additional items in your cell including a TV. This could be taken away if rules are broken.

What is the healthcare like?

The same healthcare is provided in prison as it would be outside. It is also free. It will be provided by a prison doctor or member of the healthcare team. However in exceptional circumstances an expert will be called to visit the prison or treatment will be arranged in an outside hospital.

The healthcare team will not be able to access medical records from an outside doctor unless you agree. You can also refuse treatment but if they feel you are not in a state in which you are mentally competent to make your own decisions the healthcare team may overrule you. Whenever possible it will be discussed with the family first.

What is a vulnerable prisoner?

This could be someone at risk of bullying, self-harm, or suicide. In this case you may be given a case manager who will be responsible for asking about your mental health and getting regular support.

A lot of prisons in the UK have a listener scheme, which is normally other prisoners giving emotional support to you in confidence. If you need to be detained in a psychiatric hospital – usually only done in emergency cases – you will need to meet certain criteria under the Mental Health Act. You will be told the criteria you meet upon detention.

Once you have been released you will be sent back to the prison to carry out the remainder of your sentence. If you are concerned that someone you care about in prison is at risk of hurting themselves you can let the prison staff know or some prisons will have a ‘safer custody team’ you can call.

What happens if you are pregnant when you get sent to prison?

If you give birth while in prison you can keep your baby with you for the first 18 months in the mother and baby unit. If you have a baby younger than 18 months before your prison sentence begins you can apply to bring your baby with you. Once a child is 18 months old social services will arrange alternative care via either grandparents, spouse, or fostering.

How do you apply to bring your baby to prison?

There are several steps you have to go through and it will depend on whether the admissions board of your prison believes this is in the best interest of the child. You can apply for a space on the mother and baby unit when you first enter the prison. If there are no spaces or they cannot find a space for you in another prison with a mother and baby unit then your child will have to be taken care of outside the prison.

You can appeal if you are refused a place. If you are successful in securing a place separation plans are then made for when the child is 18 months old if you are still serving your sentence at this time.

Which prisons have a mother and baby unit?

There are six prisons in the UK with a mother and baby unit. These are:

Bronzefield

Eastwood Park

Peterborough

Askham Grange

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HM Prison, Swansea

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