Brixton Prison - GOV.UK
Book and plan your visit to Brixton Prison
Keep in touch with someone at Brixton Prison
There are several ways you can keep in touch with a resident during their time at Brixton Prison.
Phone calls
Residents do not have phones in their rooms so they will always have to call you. They have to buy phone credits to do this.
They can phone anyone named on their list of friends and family. This list is checked by security when they first arrive so it may take a few days before they are able to call.
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.
You can send emails to someone in Brixton Prison using the Email a Prisoner service.
You might also be able to attach photos and receive replies from the resident, depending on the rules at Brixton Prison.
Secure video calls
Secure video calling is available at this prison. Family and friends need to download the purple visits app, create an account, register all visitors, and add the prisoner to their contact list.
Letters
You can write at any time.
Include the person’s name and prisoner number on the envelope.
If you do not know their prisoner number, contact Brixton Prison.
All post apart from legal letters will be opened and checked by officers.
Send money and gifts
You can use the free and fast online service to send money to someone in prison.
Gifts and parcels
Residents can apply for permission to receive parcels from loved ones.
Ask in the visitors centre for more information on what’s allowed and how it works.
Life at Brixton Prison
Brixton Prison is committed to providing a safe and educational environment where men can learn new skills to help them on release.
Security and safeguarding
Every person at Brixton Prison has a right to feel safe. The staff are responsible for their safeguarding and welfare at all times.
All safeguarding processes are overseen by the Lambeth Safeguarding Adults Board.
Arrival and first night
When a resident first arrives at Brixton Prison, 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 person who arrives at Brixton Prison 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 800 men live at Brixton across 5 wings. These are A, B, C, D and G wings. G wing is reserved for vulnerable residents.
Brixton Prison has a diverse, multi-faith chaplaincy team providing support to residents.
Education and work
Residents have access to education and training provided by PeoplePlus. Subjects include English, maths and writing skills. They also have access to a range of work-based courses on radio production, health and safety, retail and customer services, fashion, business, cleaning services, horticulture and more.
Brixton Prison partners with several local businesses to provide work experience to residents as well as work opportunities on release:
- Bad Boys Bakery
- Bounceback (painting and decoration)
- Sue Ryder
- Handmade Alliance
- The Clink Charity (catering)
Residents can also gain work in various roles throughout the prison.
Organisations Brixton Prison works with
Brixton is a venue for the The Clink Restaurant, a public restaurant run by residents in partnership with The Clink Charity. The residents study for NVQs in cooking, food service and cleaning while they work. They also receive mentoring upon release, including support with employment and accommodation.
The Prison Radio Association (PRA) produces radio programming for and by prisoners.
St Giles Trust helps prisoners find housing as they approach release.
Support for family and friends
Find out about advice and helplines for family and friends.
Support at Brixton Prison
Phoenix Futures family support service provides support and guidance to families and prisoners affected by substance misuse.
Problems and complaints
If you have a problem contact Brixton Prison. If you cannot resolve the problem directly, you can make a complaint to HM Prison and Probation Service.
HM Prison and Probation Service publishes action plans for Brixton Prison in response to independent inspections.
Governor: Louise Ysart
Telephone: 020 8588 6000
Fax: 020 8588 6283
Find out about call charges
Follow Brixton Prison on Twitter
Address
HMP Brixton
Jebb Avenue
Brixton
London
SW2 5XF
Safer custody hotline
If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a man in Brixton, call the safer custody hotline. Leave as much information as possible about the resident and your concerns, as well as your contact details. You may not receive a call back but the resident may be asked to contact you if appropriate.
Telephone: 0208 588 6156
Find out about call charges
In an emergency, call the main switchboard and ask for the orderly officer or duty governor.
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