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Victims of crime

What to take to prison

999 replies

drinkswineoutofamug · 18/01/2017 21:38

Will be brief, daughter due to be sent down. Any one have a clue what to pack? Do we pack a bag? I've looked on line and it's a bit vague . Any help greatly appreciated.

OP posts:
DearMrDilkington · 18/01/2017 21:44

Sorry to hear that , how long is she expected to be in there for?

DanniiMinogue · 18/01/2017 21:44

I honestly don't really know but I managed to find this after a quick Google. It may help.

prisonuk.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/off-to-prison-my-packing-list.html

DearMrDilkington · 18/01/2017 21:46

I think you need to check what will be allowed at the prison she will be sentenced to, they all vary.

DanniiMinogue · 18/01/2017 21:46
elQuintoConyo · 18/01/2017 21:47

No uidea, sorry. But send Flowers to both of you.

ageingrunner · 18/01/2017 21:56

Sorry I don't know but best wishes and strength to you both

WickedLazy · 18/01/2017 21:57

Could you e-mail the prison?

drinkswineoutofamug · 18/01/2017 21:58

She's looking at 6-9 months for assault . She was a dick. Long long boring story. I know she needs this to happen but it heartbreaking at the same time.

OP posts:
drinkswineoutofamug · 18/01/2017 22:01

I was thinking basic toiletries , undies x7 socks, bras, tshirt, jeans, jumpers no hoodies, pjs and trainers. Then from what I've read wait and send a parcel in of other stuff needed.

OP posts:
user1478860582 · 18/01/2017 22:03

As mentioned before, depends on the jail. I'm an ex screw, but for a start nothing of value. Don't take cash or jewellery. Prisons will supply clothing, toiletries and food. She will probably be allowed her own clothing but don't take anything designer or expensive. She also probably won't be allowed anything like black trousers or white blouses (to similar to uniform). A basic wash kit will probably be allowed in, but no razors. They will be supplied.

She needs to find out as soon as she gets in how you can send her cash in and such like as she can then buy toiletries and extra bits through the canteen system.

You will be allowed to send clothing in, but again try not to go for anything expensive.

If she turns up with stuff that's not allowed it will be kept in property until release.

user1478860582 · 18/01/2017 22:04

Toiletries.....no aerosols!

Harvestwidow · 18/01/2017 22:08

Envelopes and stamps, best wishes to you both xx

drinkswineoutofamug · 18/01/2017 22:11

That you so much user. She's trying to pretend like it's not bothering her . Putting a front on

OP posts:
WickedLazy · 18/01/2017 22:11

I wouldn't buy her anything new, you could pack her a rucksack with basic toiletries, underwear, some books and cd's, comfy tracksuit bottoms (no drawstring) or leggings, a few plain vest tops or t-shirts, pj's, flip flops for showers, and a few photographs. Don't pack anything that can't be easily replaced. Something you might want to look into for her are magazine subscriptions. I think prisons do allow convicts to recieve them, they just check them first and remove any contraband freebies or articles.

Oojemeflip · 18/01/2017 22:12

Make sure she has all phone numbers she might need written down on a piece of paper.

If you can, after she is sentenced try to get her solicitor or barrister to ask the security staff what prison she will go to. You can then phone the particular prison to ask questions about visiting etc.
They may not be able to tell you but When she arrives at prison she will get a reception phone call- so make sure you are by your phone until she's called. Make sure you get her prison number when she does, you'll need this to send money.
You will want to send her money so she can get a phone card for future calls- you can send cheques or use bank transfers but postal orders are still the quickest way to get money into most prisons. The prison will be able to tell you how much you can send.
Some prisons will give her a reception visit too- normally visits are quite limited.

ShugAvery1 · 18/01/2017 22:14

So sorry to hear this. I think it often depends where she will be going as prisons vary. I don't have experience of women's prisons but I'm guessing as men's they won't be allowed black clothing or hoods. I'd do the essentials for now then send things in by post. This must be bloody awful for you Flowers

Broken11Girl · 18/01/2017 22:15

Sad
Good info there. I have almost no knowledge, but:
Clothes, shoes, underwear. Pjs and dressing gown. Bras may be removed as may dressing gown cord if she's at all likely to be a risk to herself.
Stuff to do. Books, magazines, things like puzzle books, colouring books, journal, if she likes any of those? And relevant pens/ pencils.
Money in cash.
Addresses and phone no.s.
Not sure how phones work but change if payphones or phone card?
Toiletries. Nice as poss, might help her feel more human. No razors obv. Towels? Remember san pro.
Comfort/ memory objects if that might help. Like photos or small knick-knacks. (Nothing of value or too much sentimental value of it went missing).
Snacks that will keep - chocolate, biscuits, crisps, squash, tea/ coffee...
Like the point in one of the articles above, to not take too much, won't give judge/ magistrate the best impression if they see a huge case, looks like she thinks it's a foregone conclusion she's going (even if it is).

user1478860582 · 18/01/2017 22:19

When she first goes in she will end up on a first night unit. The staff there are excellent at spotting problems, spotting the vulnerable and working out who has what needs.

She will also probably be allowed to ring you the first night as well.

The best bit of advice? Listen to what she's told. If she's unsure ask. Don't offer to hold anything for anyone. Don't borrow, don't lend. Keep your head down!

And if she's feeling like she can't cope, talk to staff or chaplaincy.

Mollyboom · 18/01/2017 22:19

Basic clothes (New in packs) toiletries (New in the packs), stamps, envelopes, photographs. Cash ( about £20) just enough to cover basics such as phone card for when she arrives. Also, don't take valuables and when she does go to court for the sentencing hearing she must take the bag into the dock with her, so that she has it with her when she goes down the stairs to the holding cells. You will not be allowed to see her in the court holding cells ergo you cannot pass any property to her. I hope this assists.

drinkswineoutofamug · 18/01/2017 22:19

Next question, she's on anti convulsants for her epilepsy. Yes I will send her meds but should I send a copy of her prescription so they have a proper record? It's this I'm more worried about as she's unstable and if she doesn't get her meds has frequent seizures. The police were utter twats when she was arrested and didn't give her the meds so she fitted and smashed her face in the cell. Spent half the night in a&e in cuffs. I find out following day as she's 19 so I don't need to know anything apparently.

OP posts:
Broken11Girl · 18/01/2017 22:20

And Flowers

UnbornMortificado · 18/01/2017 22:21

Not sure about female prisoners but male prisoners (in my local three) can't have toiletries sent in and the clothes have to be unbranded.

Sorry your going though this fwiw my friend has just done 18 month in low newton, she was fine and it was her first custodial sentence.

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drinkswineoutofamug · 18/01/2017 22:22

Forgot about monthly stuff.

I feel like crying. I didn't know where to post and didn't think I would get a reply. I'm humbled . Thank you.

OP posts:
user1478860582 · 18/01/2017 22:23

In first night she will see healthcare. I would show them a photocopy of the prescription.

Mollyboom · 18/01/2017 22:24

Basic clothes (New in packs) toiletries (New in the packs), stamps, envelopes, photographs. Cash ( about £20) just enough to cover basics such as phone card for when she arrives. Also, don't take valuables and when she does go to court for the sentencing hearing she must take the bag into the dock with her, so that she has it with her when she goes down the stairs to the holding cells. You will not be allowed to see her in the court holding cells ergo you cannot pass any property to her. I hope this assists.

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