Family and Friends Forum

Stressedoutlady92

Member since
August 2024

30 posts

Posted Sat November 2, 2024 4:07pmReport post

Hey everyone,

I feel like tearing my hair out today! He's been moved to another prison, and they have taken his clothing at Nottingham but not given him anything when he's arrived there two days ago.
I called yesterday and they said "only clothing can be sent in within 28 days of conviction", but he wasn't allowed anything at all where he was before, and of course, as everything is so slow it's more than 28 days since he's been inside now.

He said he read in the reception waiting room that people who are transferred can have 6 items sent in within 14 days. However, now he's said other people are telling him a different story and he is allowed more than that. I can't find anyone, anywhere that has a partner in Risley, and I can't find any information about this 14 day rule online.

Can anyone help? I tried to call the prison and they said "he will have to ask the officers himself". That's a bit tricky when you only get 1 or 2 hours out your cell and there's no officers to be seen.. as well as the officers also saying different things and no one having any clue about the rules for certain!

Thanks!

Edited by moderator Mon November 4, 2024 2:48pm

Upset mum

Member since
June 2020

2420 posts

Posted Sat November 2, 2024 4:43pmReport post

Hi lovely

How awful for you, did they say why he cant have his things from where he was held originally?

Each prison is different but in general the clothes parcel should consist of

10 tops ( sweaters, sweatshirts, no hoodies, tshirts, not black or white)

10 pairs of boxers, 10 pairs of socks

5 bottoms, jeans, chinos, trakkie bottoms, again not black or white

Pair of trainers, pair of flip flops (to and from the shower)

Please feel free to message me if you need any advice xx

Stressedoutlady92

Member since
August 2024

30 posts

Posted Sat November 2, 2024 6:47pmReport post

Thanks - I'll drop you a line back!

We didn't know how it all worked, so he took a lot of black/navy clothing in (as he has a boring taste in colour) and the good majority has been taken off him.

Since then, he was given stuff before at the previous prison, sent to wash and things are exchanged between prisoners - so he would send in medium to be washed and be given back XXL for example.

I just want him to be warm, and clothed in the basics that fit! Especially now it's becoming colder. I was told at Risley he would be given a new jumper, bottoms etc but they took him in and didn't give him anything.

It's just beyond a joke :(

AnxiousGirl

Member since
December 2023

232 posts

Posted Sun November 3, 2024 4:13amReport post

I only ever sent in some underwear - once. He managed with prison issue stuff for the whole of his sentence. Might sound harsh but he that was all he asked for. Said there was no point having anything different as it all gets stolen anyway.

Smile through tears

Member since
September 2021

2594 posts

Posted Sun November 3, 2024 6:06amReport post

That's exactly what my son says Anxious - he manages with the prison gear, they also give him outdoor wear as he works in gardens.

he told me the guys aren't allowed dark colours as it mergers too much with the officers black & white uniforms. In gardens they are not allowed beanie hats which is a pain on cold damp days.

like most things you buy in prison - clothes are expensive.

InTatters

Member since
June 2022

175 posts

Posted Sun November 3, 2024 3:07pmReport post

Hi, it seems (as with everything associated with this offending and surrounding circumstances) that there is zero consistency in experience, guidance or professional insights on this. My person took a packed bag with him to prison (all compliant with regulations), but wasn't allowed any of its contents until he was grated 'enhanced' prisoner status (which - surprise, surprise - seems to be totally randomly allocated). Until then he used clothes, toiletries, shoes and everything else as provided by the prison.

Stressedoutlady92

Member since
August 2024

30 posts

Posted Mon November 4, 2024 6:55pmReport post

Thanks all for chipping in.

I guess the main issue he's come across is not being given what he should. Currently, he's got the following items:

Prison Items:
1 joggers

2 pants

2 socks



Personal:

3 pants

4 tops

1 socks



I just don't think it's enough - has anyone else found they have less than the minimum listed as allowed on the prison reform trust website? There's even a man who's moved with him who was told they don't have any bedding for him, so he's been made to just sleep on his mattress with two blankets.



Thanks all!

AnxiousGirl

Member since
December 2023

232 posts

Posted Mon November 4, 2024 9:44pmReport post

I didn't ask what he had or didn't have. Thought at that point that he was no longer my problem. He did ask for his trainers and some socks once. Think I also sent in some DVDs which he asked for - think they were used for bartering

EBP

Member since
September 2021

211 posts

Posted Tue November 5, 2024 12:03amReport post

My son asked for his slippers and some 'sliders for the shower room. He has found them very useful. Hasn't really been outside much in four months so sturdy shoes not a priority. Probably will be in future!

Strawberriesandcream

Member since
January 2024

4 posts

Posted Mon November 18, 2024 7:25pmReport post

My other half spent 9 months in Risley. He had prison issue clothing and pumps. He was given 2 sets of joggers, 2 t shirts and 2 sweatshirts. He only had 1 set of boxers that he washed every day and one pair of socks. There's a cabin next door where you can buy socks and boxers when you go visit, they're usually M&S. I bought him lots of socks and about 10 pairs of boxers. You pay for them in the cabin (sorry I can't remember the name of the charity), the ladies are lovely. They will ask for his name and prison number and he will receive them after visiting has finished. I visited my OH every week, it was aong day as I don't drive, buses and trains etc. It was very daunting at first but the prison staff are lovely, you can buy food and drink at the visits, I made some great friends there whilst visiting. He's been out 7 months now and I think his time at HMP made him think about what he did, he knows what he could've lost. If you need to reach out I'm here xx

LittleRobin3

Member since
April 2024

321 posts

Posted Wed November 20, 2024 10:20amReport post

Hi, you could get in touch with "Prisoners Families" they are pretty knowledgeable. It's impossible to get a straight answer out of anyone at the prisons. X

Stressedoutlady92

Member since
August 2024

30 posts

Posted Mon December 16, 2024 12:10amReport post

Thanks everyone.

He eventually got given an approval for 6 items to be sent in, which took a few weeks to be 'processed' on delivery, but he's now got two more jumpers, two joggers, sliders and another pair of trainers. That will do for now!

Much appreciated x

Edited Mon December 16, 2024 12:10am

Smile through tears

Member since
September 2021

2594 posts

Posted Mon December 16, 2024 3:49amReport post

My son has just been issued a much treasured beanie hat which is part of his gardening gear....

small things mean a lot!