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 Five Wells are able to enjoy their visit, and gain the maximum benefit from it.
To visit someone in Five Wells you must:
- Be on that person’s approved visitor list
- Book your visit at least 2 days in advance
- Have the required ID with you when you go
Residents can have up to 3 adult visitors at a time (18 or over) plus children.
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 Five Wells
- Somewhere to stay overnight
- Meals
BOOKING YOUR VISIT
Whilst the Residents are encouraged to book their visits via CMS (Custodial Management System), the availability for approved family and friends to book visits as well can be done via the following processes:
HOW TO BOOK FAMILY & FRIENDS VISITS
- Phone line: 01933 718888 and select Option 1, followed by Option 1 again. This phone line will be in operation from 10:00 – 13:00 and 17.00 – 19.00. If you are unable to get hold of our visits booking clerk you will have the option to leave a voice message. The information will need to include all information relevant to making a booking. The Clerk will then confirm when a visit has been booked on the system.
- Email: Fivewells.visits@uk.g4s.com This will be available to book a visit, Emails will be monitored Monday – Friday.
- Those who attend late will not be permitted entry therefore, if you are running late for your visit, please contact 01933 718888 ext. 2003 or ext. 2005 and we will advise if your visit will be affected by this.
VISITING TIMES
Monday:
● 14:15 – 16:15
● 17:45 – 18:45 Enhanced prisoners only
Tuesday:
● 09:15 – 11:15
● 14:15 – 16:15
● 17:45 – 18:45 Enhanced prisoners only
Wednesday:
● 17:45 – 18:45
Thursday:
● 09:15 – 11:15
● 14:15 – 16:15
● 17:45 – 18:45
Saturday & Sunday:
● 09:15 – 11:15
● 14:15 – 16:15
HOW TO BOOK LEGAL & PROFESSIONAL VISITS
Please send an email to the following email address:
fivewells.visits@uk.g4s.com
GETTING TO FIVE WELLS
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
What are the nearest Train Stations to HMP Five Wells?
The nearest stations to HMP Five Wells are:
John Lea Way, Wellingborough is 1099 metres away, 17 minutes walk.
The Dog & Duck ph, Wellingborough is 1118 metres away, 17 minute walk.
Which bus routes stop near HMP Five Wells?
● 49
● X46
● X47
What time is the first and last Bus to HMP Five Wells in Wellingborough?
The X47 is the first Bus that goes to HMP Five Wells in Wellingborough. It stops nearby at 05:52. The last bus is also X47 at 22:45.
To plan your journey by public transport:
use National Rail Enquiries
use Traveline for local bus times
There is a visitor’s car park at the prison.
ENTERING FIVE WELLS
Visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult, who must adhere to the ID requirements set out below. The accompanying adult has responsibility for the child, for supporting the child’s relationship with the prisoner and for giving assurances of the child’s identity.
All Children under 18 Years of Age entering HMP Five Wells must be either visiting Dad or visiting with a Parent or Legal Guardian. If this is not the case, speak to a member of Staff prior to your visit to complete appropriate paperwork otherwise entry will not be permitted.
ID Required
On the first visit all adults are required to bring 1 valid photographic ID along with 2 x proof of address.
All children are required to bring their full birth certificate, children under the age of 6 months that have not yet received their birth certificate the redbook is accepted until the birth certificate has been received.
Read the list of acceptable forms of ID when visiting a prison.
All visitors will need to be given a pat-down search. This includes children, by allowing a young person to visit it is assumed that the parent or guardian has agreed to their child being searched before admission. This will be done sensitively and with respect for diversity for all. Please note there may be security dogs working.
Dress Code
Please be advised that there is a dress code required in the visit hall at HMP Five Wells. We are a family focused area and as such visitors are expected to dress and act accordingly.
Approved Clothing
Cardigans, suit/smart jacket, jeans or trousers (without holes or rips), shorts to knee, knee length skirts, jumpers, fleeces, T-shirts, polo, shirts, flat shoes.
Unapproved Clothing
Any clothes with hoods, hats, caps, scarves or gloves. Skirts/shorts above the knee, puffy/padded jackets, trousers with holes or rips, offensive jewellery/belts, clothing with drugs or violent logos, sunglasses, ponchos or shawls, sheer fabric clothing, low cut tops, no shoes with sharp accessories, heel or steel toe caps and only one pair of trousers to be worn.
VISITOR CONDUCT DURING A VISIT
As much as we understand that Residents and loved ones want to embrace one another, explicit sexual, indecent or other anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated due to the risk of potentially passing on illicit items.
Prisoners will be discouraged from moving from seats other than those provided for their use.
Visitors will be informed that they should remain with the resident that they are visiting and must not go and visit other residents they may know in the visits hall.
AMNESTY POLICY
All visitors to Five Wells are advised that we have ‘amnesty bins’ into which visitors may anonymously deposit any contraband item, before entering the visits hall. The amnesty bins are discreetly located to give visitors confidence in the anonymity of the process.
VISITING FACILITIES
The Visitor lounge is run by HALOW who can help with any questions you may have to make your visit as stress free as possible. HALOW are able to signpost you to any additional agencies that may be able to assist with any concerns you may have.
Children’s activities will be provided during your wait.
Baby changing facilities are available.
We offer highchairs for use to feed children during the visit.
You will be asked to place your belongings into a free locker. For parents bringing children in pushchairs/car seats you will be asked to take the child out of the chair during the security process however there are alternatives provided for the duration of the visit if needed.
A small amount of items required for the child/ren during the visit is permitted following security checks. Please check with staff before entering the visits hall in regards to approved items. A clear bag for your belongings can be offered for ease of carrying items.
Please arrive 1 hour before your planned visits to ensure all security checks are completed before your allocated visit time. If you are running late for a visit for whatever reason, please ensure you call and make us aware, 01933 832852.
Wherever possible we will try to support in allocating additional time, however it must be stressed that this cannot be guaranteed due to other visit commitments.
KEEP IN TOUCH WITH SOMEONE AT FIVE WELLS
There are several ways you can keep in touch with someone during their time at Five Wells:
- 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. Read more about how it works
- Prisoners have phones in their rooms but they can only make outgoing calls 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. (Officers may listen to phone calls as a way of preventing crime and helping keep people safe.)
- You can write at any time. Include the person’s name and prisoner number on the envelope. (All items of 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
Friends and families of a prisoner 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.
SECURITY & SAFEGUARDING
Every person at Five Wells has a right to feel safe. The staff are responsible for their safeguarding and welfare at all times.
If a family member or friend has concerns about a prisoner here, relating to safeguarding, such as self harm, bullying, etc. please contact the Safer Custody Welfare Line.
The Safer Custody Welfare number is: 01933 832073 This number is staffed during office hours Monday to Friday. Out of these hours, the call is redirected to the Control Room.
Alternatively, members of the public can email the Safer Custody team on: fivewells.safety@uk.g4s.com
If emailing the team, please can you make sure that you include their name and contact number and the prisoner’s name and number.
INDUCTION
Each person who arrives at Five Wells gets an induction. 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.
All new prisoners will be given a key worker who will come and get to know them.
ACCOMMODATION
Around 1680 men live at Five Wells across 7 house units. There is a mixture of single and shared rooms.
Facilities include a gym, education, healthcare services and a library.
SUPPORT AT FIVE WELLS
Families can get help and advice from HALOW in the Visitors Lounge.
Find out about advice and helplines for family and friends.
