The closest railway stations are Huddersfield and Wakefield (which has 2 stations, Westgate and Kirkgate). New Hall is around a 25 minute taxi ride from either station.
You can also take a bus from Wakefield Bus Station that will drop you around 1 mile from the prison.
All visitors will need to be given a pat-down search, including children. You may also be sniffed by security dogs.
You will need to leave any valuables, including phones and watches, in a locker before entering the visitor area.
You will be told the rules by an officer at the start of your visit. If you break the rules, your visit could be cancelled and you could be banned from visiting again.
Visiting facilities
The family-friendly visitors centre is open from 12:30pm to 2.30pm and offers information and support. This will open again at the end of the visit at 4pm. There are toys and activities for children.
You can also book future visits in person at the visitors centre.
You may not be able to speak with someone at New Hall during their first few days. This is because it can take time to approve who they can be in touch with.
Prisoners have phones in their cells but they will always need to call you rather than you call them. They can make phone calls between 6am and 10pm.
Prisoners can only phone you if you are named on their list of friends and family. This list is checked by security.
All post apart from legal letters will be opened and checked by officers.
National Prison Radio’s Family and Friends request show
National Prison Radio broadcasts into prison cells across England and Wales 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Family and friends can stay connected with their loved ones in prison by sending song requests, written messages and voice recordings. They are then read and played out on weekly episodes.
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
Prisoners in New Hall have to apply for approved items to be sent to them. Contact New Hall for more information on what is allowed.
Family and friends of prisoners 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 thePrison HMPPSeducation Incentivesand Policy,library services, Annex FA.
Make sure to include the person’s name and prison number on the parcel.
All parcels will be opened and checked by officers.
Life at New Hall
New Hall is committed to providing a safe and educational environment where prisoners can learn new skills and focus on their personal development.
Security and safeguarding
Every prisoner at New Hall has a right to feel safe. The staff are responsible for their safeguarding and welfare at all times.
When someone arrives at New Hall they will go into reception. They will be offered a hot drink, a hot meal and a shower. They will be able to make a phone call, free of charge, to a person they choose.
Reception staff will interview the prisoner and find out about their home situation and any needs they may have. If there are children or animals that are dependant on them, staff will make the appropriate referrals to ensure they are safe and taken care of.
New prisoners will also be seen by the healthcare team who will sort out any medication and physical and mental health needs.
Induction
Each prisoner arriving at New Hall 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 425 prisoners live at New Hall.
The accommodation is made up of 7 houses, including Poplar House, which has a first night centre, and Maple House, which has a mother and baby unit.
Education and work
Education and training opportunities include:
functional skills
contact centre training
IT and business administration
hairdressing
cleaning services
employability skills
horticultural skills
first aid
gym instructor training
There are 4 workshops where prisoners can gain qualifications in areas such as food preparation and photo processing.
New Hall also offers courses to help prisoners understand and change their offending behaviour.
The Family and Significant others Lead is the Head of Reducing Re-offending.
Concerns, problems and complaints
In an emergency
Call 01924 803 000 if you think a prisoner is at immediate risk of harm. Ask for the Orderly Officer and explain that your concern is an emergency.
Contact category
Phone number
Additional information
Non-emergency
01924 840 723
Call 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 Hotline
0800 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 managed separately from the prison, you can call this number anonymously.