Guidance

Littlehey Prison

Littlehey is a prison near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire for men convicted of a sex offence.

Applies to England and Wales

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Book and plan your visit to Littlehey

HMP Littlehey is offering visits for family and friends. Visiting times and availability may change at short notice. You should contact the prison direct for any queries.

Now that regular COVID testing of people in the wider community has ended, you are no longer required to take a COVID test before coming to see someone for a visit, although we would still encourage you to do so.

We will continue to run social visits whilst it is safe to do so.

Visiting rules may change if there is an outbreak within the prison, this may include bringing back testing before visits for a short time to protect you, the person you are visiting and staff.

If you are unable to visit someone in prison you can still keep in touch.

You can also contact the Prisoners’ Families Helpline on 0808 808 2003. You will not be able to book a visit using this number.

To visit someone in Littlehey you must:

  • be on that person’s visitor list
  • book your visit in advance
  • have the required ID with you when you go

At least one visitor must be 18 or older at every visit.

There may be a limit to the number of visits a personprisoner can have. You can check this with Littlehey.

Other requirements to be aware of when visiting HMP Littlehey:

  • All visitors will be given a rub-down search, including children
  • You will also be sniffed by security dogs

Contact Littlehey if you have any questions about visiting.

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 Littlehey
  • somewhere to stay overnight
  • meals

How to book family and friends visits

Littlehey is running a limited visits schedule. Visits are also happening differently than normal, observing strict guidelines, which must be followed.

You can book your visit online, by telephone or youby canemail also register to use the secure video callsSocialvisits.littlehey@justice.gov.uk service. There is no online booking service available..

Alternatively, if you have been sent a visiting order in the post, you can also book by telephone or email.

Booking line: 01480 335 650
Line opens: Tuesday to Sunday:Sunday 8:30am9:30am to 4:30pm
4pm. Find out about call charges

Email: socialvisits.littlehey@hmps.gsi.gov.uk

Visiting times:

  • Tuesday to Friday: 2pm to 4pm
  • Saturday and Sunday: 9am to 11am and 2pm to 4pm

Secure Video Call Times:

  • Mondays and Wednesdays: 9am to 11:15am and 2pm to 4pm
  • Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays: 2pm to 4pm
  • Saturday and Sunday: 9am to 11am and 2pm to 4pm

Should there be any changes or amendments to these times, this will be stated when booking.

How to book legal and professional visits

You can book a legal visit via video link by emailemailing: videolink.littlehey@hmps.gsi.gov.ukvideolink.littlehey@justice.gov.uk.

VisitingYou times:can Mondaybook a face-to-face legal visit by emailing: legalvisits.littlehey@justice.gov.uk.

Legal visiting times:

  • Monday: 9am to 11am and 2pm to 4pm

  • Wednesday 9am to 11am

Getting to Littlehey

Find Littlehey on a map

The closest railway stations are St Neots and Huntingdon, which are both around 9 miles from Littlehey.

There’sThere is a subsidisedbus minibusthat can be booked from Huntingdon bus and railway stations. ContactThis theis visitorsrun centreby onVectare 01480DRT, 335their 136contact fornumber times.01157 You773 don’t182 needor there is a mobile phone app that can be downloaded to book ina advance.trip.

There’sThe novisitors minibuscentre oncan weekdayalso mornings,provide butsupport theby visitorsassisting centreto can book a subsidised taxi forbetween you.the prison and Huntingdon bus and rail stations.

To plan your journey by public transport:

There is a free visitors car park, including spaces for Blue Badge holders.

Entering Littlehey

All visitors, aged 16 or older must prove their identity before entering the prison. Read the list of acceptable forms of ID when visiting a prison.

All visitors will need to be given a pat-down search, including children. There will also be a sniffer dog.dog present.

Visitors shoulddress code

Littlehey prison has a strict dress code policy, which means visitors must be always dressed appropriately as we aim to create a family friendly atmosphere during visits. This instruction applies to all visitors to the establishment regardless of age and gender.

Coats and Jackets are not wearallowed footballto shirts,be sportsworn shirtsinto orthe stripedvisit’s shirts,hall. Coat orhooks revealingare clothing.available in the visits foyer where they can be left at the owner’s risk.

ThereAny clothing that is deemed to be revealing will be nochallenged refreshmentsby availablestaff duringand yourmay visit.result in you being refused entry.

There are strict controls on what you can take into Littlehey. You will have to leave most of the things you have with you in a locker (you(for which you will need a 10p£1 coin) or with security. This includes pushchairs and car seats.

YouVisitors willare reminded that staff are required to search visitors as a condition of entry.

It is inappropriate to wear the following types of clothing:

  • short/cropped tops that reveal a naked midriff
  • low cut tops or shirts that unbutton to reveal cleavage or bare chest
  • vests (as a single garment)
  • mini skirts that are shorter that knee length and expose thighs
  • shorts that are shorter than knee length and expose thighs
  • all types of see-through/Skintight clothing
  • headwear (other than for religious purposes holding pins must be toldremoved)
  • clothing that is offensive in nature or displays offensive, discriminatory, or inappropriate material
  • slippers/sliders/flip-flops/high-heeled shoes/wedges (open toe sandals are permitted but must be attached to the rear)
  • team affiliated sportswear (including team logo’s)
  • padded garments/gilets/body warmers
  • any clothing fitted with extra-large buckles, chain’s and/or excessive amounts of zips
  • combat trousers
  • jeans with rips/tears in them
  • clothing which finishes mid-thigh

The visits rules byare anclearly officerdisplayed aton the starttable ofin yourthe visit.visits hall. If you break the rules, your visit could be cancelled and you could be banned from visiting again.

Visiting facilities

There’s a visitors centre at Littlehey.

ThereRefreshments willare beavailable noto refreshmentspurchase available during your visit. Adults visitors can take in up to £30 each in notes and coins.

The childrenschildren’s play area is alsonow notopen, availablewith tofamily use.support workers providing some activities.

Family days

HMP Littlehey commits to hold a minimum of 12 family or children visits events a year. Prisoners will be notified of these dates at least six weeks before the event date. Prisoners must submit an application to attend, which will be vetted and informed of the decision.

ThereDetails areof currentlywhat noto fmailyexpect daysplease beingcontact: run.Socialvisits.littlehey@justice.gov.uk or call the booking line.

Keep in touch with someone at Littlehey

You may not be able to speak with someone at Littlehey during their first few days. This is because it can take time to approve who they can be in touch with.

Prisoners do not have phones in their roomscells so they will always need to call you rather than you call them.

Phone calls

Prisoners can phone anyone named on their list of friends and family. This list is checked by security.

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.

Secure video calls

SecureTo videohave callinga issecure availablevideo atcall thiswith prison.someone Familyin andthis friendsprison willyou need toto:

  • Download download the Prison Video app,app
  • Create create an account,account
  • Register register all visitors
  • Add and add the prisoner to theiryour contact list.

How to book a secure video call

Secure video calls at this prison can be requested by prisoners only.

You will receive a notification if a prisoner has requested a video call with you.

Read more about how it works

Email

You can send emails to someone in Littlehey 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 Littlehey.

Letters

Include the person’s name and prisoner number on the envelope.

If you do not know their prisoner number, contact Littlehey.

All post apart from legal letters will be opened and checked by officers.

Send

Sending moneyin and gifts

money

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:

  • areAre unable to use a computer, a smart phonephone, or the internet
  • doDo not have a debit card

This will allow you to send money by post.

Gifts and parcels

Books

PeopleThere inis Littleheya are6-book givenlimit on the number of books a listprisoner can have handed or sent in. The prisoner does need to be mindful of their in-cell property allowance.

Books Posted In:

There is an approved itemssuppliers list that canmust be utilised for books being sent in directly from the supplier. Make sure to theminclude the prisoner’s name and prison number on the parcel. The approved suppliers are as gifts.follows:

  • Blackwell’s
  • Foyles
  • Waterstones
  • WH ContactSmith
  • Wordery
  • Mr LittleheyB’s forEmporium moreof informationReading onDelights
  • Housmans
  • Incentive what’sPlus
  • Prison allowed.Org uk

This is within the HMPPS Incentives Framework, Annex F.

Familyhttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/incentives-policy-framework/incentives-policy-framework-annex-f-sending-and-handing-in-of-books-to-prisoners

It is possible to also send books directly in from a home address, again including a note with the prisoner’s name and friendsprison ofnumber. prisonersAlong with a sender’s name and address.

Books handed In:

Prisoners are permitted to sendhave their family/friend’s hand in books on a visit. Visitors will not be allowed to hand the book directly to theirthe lovedprisoner. ones,To orutilise this process, the following process is to be observed:

  • The prisoner submits a general application to the Operations CM/Governor stating books are requested to be handed in on a visit
  • The Operations CM/Governor will provide an acknowledgement response to that application
  • The acknowledgement information will be shared with the visitor centre staff to expect books will be brought with a visitor to hand in.
  • Once the acknowledgement reply has been returned to the prisoner, arrangements can orderbe made for the visitor to bring the books to the establishment
  • Books are to be handed in at the visitor’s centre. These staff will bag and label them with the prisoner’s name and number and date handed in
  • The operations function will ensure books are collected from approvedthe retailers,visitor’s whichcentre canregularly sourceduring the week and sendtaken to reception for processing

Please be aware the visitor centre staff must not be in any way be mistreated during this process. They are merely collating the books at the earliest opportunity on the visitor’s arrival at the prison. Prison staff will then complete the necessary searching and recording processes.

A notice to prisoners.   Forthis effect is displayed in the fullvisitor centre for visitors to be aware of these requirements.

Parcels

Prisoners in Littlehey are given access to the Facilities List that provides a list of approved retailers,items that they can have in possession. To have a parcel sent in a prisoner must seek permission first. Upon receipt of this permission, they can then make arrangements with their families/friends. Please note the following processes apply:

Gold/Enhanced IPF Parcels:

  • To receive a parcel, the prisoners you must have been Gold IPF level for a period of six months or more from the date of application

  • Clothing parcels are not to be sent in until your application has been approved. Any parcels received without approval will be placed in stored property

  • The parcel must only have clothing or footwear items within it; any other items will be placed in stored property. Other items include sports equipment, electricals, toiletries, CDs/DVDs, books etc

  • All clothing items must be sent in directly from a reputable supplier, such as M&M, Jacamo, Cotton Traders, Sports Direct. No clothing is to be sent from a private address

  • Items must arrive in ONE parcel only and sent directly from a supplier only

  • All clothing and footwear items must be new, not worn/second-hand

  • All clothing and footwear items must meet the facilities list requirements. Any items that do not meet the facilities list requirements will not be issued and placed in stored property

  • The parcel must contain a maximum of 12 items of clothing and footwear.

Socks and underwear are also permitted but do not count towards the 12 items maximum

  • The items must total an approximate value of no more than £250

28-day Parcels:

A 28-day parcel can readonly be applied for if the HMPPSprisoner Incentiveshas Policy,been Annexsentenced F.in the last 28 days of arriving at Littlehey. It is not a 28-day parcel on arrival at a new establishment.

MakeFor decency reasons, new arrivals to Littlehey may apply by general application to have a small parcel of socks and underwear sent in from family/friends. These items must still have the tags/labels intact to indicate they are new and not used/second-hand. The parcel must not contain any other items, as these will be placed into stored property. A short note should be put inside the parcel indicating the senders name and address.

The handing in of clothing parcels or any other parcel (other than books) is not permitted unless exceptional permission has been granted by the Head of Operations.

Exceptional Parcels:

There may be occasions where exceptional circumstances will allow for other items to be handed in or posted in, however the prisoner must have permission in writing from the Head of Operations before any arrangements can be made.

Key things to remember when sending parcels into HMP Littlehey:

  • You are advised not to hand any items in on visits or post items in until the prisoner has informed you they have approval to receive them
  • Please make sure to include the person’s name and prisoner number on the parcel.

    parcel

  • All parcels will be opened and checked by officers.

    officers before being issued to the prisoner

Life at Littlehey

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

Security and safeguarding

Every personprisoner at Littlehey 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 Norfolk Safeguarding Adults Board.

At Littlehey there’s a listener scheme to support prisoners at risk of suicide or self harm. There’s also a buddy scheme to combat bullying.

Arrival and first night

When a prisoner first arrives at Littlehey, 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 personprisoner who arrives at Littlehey 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

Around 12001,200 men live at Littlehey. Some roomscells are shared.

As well as the accommodation blocks, there’s an all-weather sports pitch, gymnasium, adult learning centre and kitchen buildings.

There are 2 healthcare departments serving Littlehey.

Education and work

Littlehey has a wide range of learning opportunities. This includes educational classes from basic skills to degree level and practical training courses in carpentry, joinery, motor mechanics, hospitality and ICT. There’s also production and domestic work.

Littlehey works with partners to help prisoners find employment and resettle in the community.

Littlehey also offers specific behaviour programmes for men convicted of a sex offence.

Support for family and friends

Find out about advice and helplines for family and friends.

Support at Littlehey

Family services at Littlehey worksare withprovided Ormistonby Families,Invisible aWalls.

To charitycontact supportingour children,head youngof peoplefamily andprovision familiesat toHMP manageLittlehey email: Socialvisits.littlehey@justice.gov.uk

Please state that your email is for the challengesattention theyof faceHead of Operations to gain a response.

Concerns, problems and improvecomplaints

Contact categoryPhone numberAdditional information
Non-emergency01480 335 209Call this number if you have concerns about a prisoner’s safety or wellbeing which are serious but not life-threatening or complete a safer custody contact form on the Prisoners’ Families Helpline website.
Staff Integrity Hotline0800 917 6877
(24 hours answering machine)
This number can be called anonymously. If you are concerned about a prisoner being bullied by a member of staff, you can use this number. As this line is basedmanaged inseparately from the visitorsprison, centre.you Theycan call this number anonymously.
Prisoners’ Families Helpline0808 808 2003The Prisoners’ Families Helpline can provide supportconfidential support, advice and informationguidance.
Unwanted Prisoner Contact0300 060 6699If a prisoner is contacting you and you want them to helpstop, you accesscan availableuse services.

the Unwanted Prisoner Contact Service
.

You can complete the Stop prisoner contact online form, email unwantedprisonercontact@justice.gov.uk or contact by phone.

Problems and complaints

If you have aany other problem contact Littlehey.

Inspection reports

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

Contact Littlehey

Governor: OliviaMatthew PhelpsTilt

Telephone: 01480 335 000
Fax: 01480 335 070
Find out about call charges

Address

HMP Littlehey
Perry
Huntingdon
Cambridgeshire
PE28 0SR

See map

Safer custody hotline

Telephone: 01480 335 209
Monday to Friday, office hours

In an emergency, contact the switchboard.

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Updates to this page

Published 7 April 2020
Last updated 215 AugustOctober 20222024 + show all updates
  1. Added update to telephone booking line opening hours (9:30 to 4pm) and added list of visitor dress code.

  2. Secure video calls update.

  3. Updated visiting guidance based on 1 April COVID rule changes

  4. Added link to new safer custody information under Security and safeguarding.

  5. Updated visiting information: Testing for visitors aged 12 and over.

  6. Added link to information about testing for physical contact at visits.

  7. New visiting times and booking information added.

  8. Prison moved into National Stage 3 framework and is now preparing to open visits for family, friends and significant others. We will update this page with specific visiting information as soon as possible.

  9. Updated visiting information in line with new local restriction tiers.

  10. Updated visit info

  11. Update visits info

  12. Updated visiting information in line with new national restrictions in England.

  13. Updated visiting information in line with coronavirus restrictions.

  14. Updated information about secure video calls.

  15. Updated governor name

  16. added survey link

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