Phone & PIN

What this actually means

The first call is not the same thing as being on the phone list. Reception often lets someone make a short first-night call. That does not mean every number is approved.

PIN approval is a security check. Families wait days, sometimes weeks. The range on this page is what other families at this prison have reported — not an official SLA.

Landlines are cheaper than mobiles. If cost is the problem, that is the lever — not talking less.

How prison phones work

• The person inside has to call you. Prison phones do not accept incoming calls.
• They can only call numbers that have been approved on their PIN / phone list.
• Calls are paid from their phone credit, not by the person receiving the call.
• Public-estate rates (from 1 April 2025): UK landline 2.48p/min weekday, 2.20p weekend; UK mobile 5.50p/min weekday, 3.60p weekend. Minimum charge 10p per connected call.
• Samaritans calls are free. Staff may monitor calls.