Your Definitive Guide to HMP Send Prison Access

Visiting a loved one or attending a professional meeting at HMP Send in Woking can feel like a daunting task, especially when you're unsure about the best way to get there or what to expect upon arrival. This comprehensive guide aims to demystify the journey, providing clear, actionable directions and essential information to ensure your visit is as smooth and stress-free as possible. From detailed driving routes to public transport options and vital visitor rules, we've got you covered.

HMP Send is a closed female prison located near Woking, Surrey. Whether you're travelling from within Surrey, London, or further afield, understanding your transport options and the prison's specific requirements for visitors is paramount. Planning ahead is key, not just for your journey but also for ensuring you meet all the necessary criteria for entry.

Getting to HMP Send: Your Travel Options

HMP Send is accessible by both car and public transport, primarily train, with a dedicated shuttle service available from Woking station. Each mode of transport has its own set of advantages and specific directions or considerations. Choosing the right option for you will depend on your starting location, comfort with driving, and preference for public transport.

By Car: Detailed Driving Directions

Driving to HMP Send offers the convenience of direct access and the availability of free car parking on-site. However, navigating to the prison, especially for those unfamiliar with the local area, requires careful attention to directions. Here are the specific routes from key locations:

From the M25

If you are approaching HMP Send from the M25, the most straightforward route involves leaving the motorway at Junction 10. From there, you should take the A3 towards Guildford. After approximately one mile, look for the B2215 exit, which will be signposted for Ockham. Take the first exit from the roundabout onto the B2215 and continue for about half a mile. You will then encounter a sharp bend; turn right into Guileshill Lane. At the subsequent T-Junction, turn right again, and then immediately left into Hungry Hill Lane. This road will eventually become Ripley Road. Once you spot the perimeter fence of the prison on your left-hand side, the prison entrance is approximately a quarter of a mile further along the road.

From Guildford

When travelling from Guildford, take the A3 northbound, heading towards London. You will need to turn off at the Burnt Common Junction, which leads to the B2215 towards Ripley. At the first roundabout encountered, take the third exit onto the A247, passing a garage on your left. After crossing over the A3, turn left as if you are re-joining the A3 towards Guildford; this will be signposted for HMP Send. Ensure you stay in the outside lane, and then turn right off the slip road onto Tithebarns Lane, which will also be signposted HMP. At the T-Junction, turn right onto Ripley Road. The prison entrance will be approximately a quarter of a mile down this road.

From Woking

For those starting their journey from Woking, take the A320 towards Guildford. At the first roundabout you reach, take the first exit towards Old Woking, which is Wych Hill. Continue on this road until you reach another roundabout, where you should turn left into High Street. At the very next roundabout, take the right-hand junction, which is the A247 to Send. Proceed to the next roundabout and take the second exit, continuing straight over on the A247 towards Clandon, passing a garage on your left. After crossing the A3, turn left as if to join the A3 towards Guildford, following signs for HMP Send. Keep to the outside lane and turn right off the slip road onto Tithebarns Lane, again signposted HMP. At the T-Junction, turn right into Ripley Road. You will see the perimeter fence on your left, and the prison entrance is approximately a quarter of a mile further along.

From Dorking

If your journey begins in Dorking, take the A25 towards Guildford. You will cross the A246 and then join the A247. After approximately two miles on the A247, turn right as if to join the A3 towards Guildford; this turn will be signposted for HMP Send. As with other routes, keep to the outside lane and turn right off the slip road onto Tithebarns Lane, which is clearly signposted HMP. At the T-Junction, turn right into Ripley Road. The prison perimeter fence will be on your left, and the prison entrance is about a quarter of a mile ahead.

Remember, free car parking is available directly at the prison, alleviating any concerns about finding or paying for a space upon your arrival.

By Train: Public Transport Options

For those preferring public transport, train travel is a viable option, particularly with the convenient shuttle service provided by HMP Send.

The closest railway station to HMP Send is Clandon. However, trains also travel frequently to and from Woking station, which is a major transport hub.

Crucially, HMP Send operates a minibus service specifically for Social Visits, running from Woking station directly to the prison and back again. This service is designed to ease the journey for visitors using public transport. If you intend to use this service, you need to be at Woking Station by 1pm and wait on the Marks and Spencer side of the station. This service significantly simplifies the final leg of your journey from the train station to the prison.

For planning your overall journey by public transport, it's always advisable to use online journey planners, which can provide up-to-date train times and connections to Woking or Clandon. While Clandon is closer, the direct minibus service from Woking often makes it a more convenient option for social visitors.

Preparing for Your Visit: Essential Information

Beyond simply getting to HMP Send, there are several critical steps and regulations you must be aware of to ensure a successful and compliant visit. These range from booking procedures to strict security protocols and dress codes.

Booking Your Visit

To visit someone at HMP Send, you must first be on that person’s visitor list. Once you are, you can book your visit either online or, if you have been sent a visiting order, by telephone. It is essential to book your visit at least two working days in advance.

The dedicated booking line for visits is 0300 060 6514. This line operates Monday to Friday, from 10am to 3pm. Please be aware of potential call charges. Legal and professional visits can also be booked via this number or by emailing [email protected].

Visitor Requirements and Identification

All visitors aged 18 or older must prove their identity before entering the prison. It is vital that all ID presented is physical identification; photos or screenshots will not be accepted. You must have the required ID with you when you attend. A list of acceptable forms of ID for visiting a prison is available, and it's highly recommended to review this beforehand to avoid any issues.

At least one visitor must be 18 or older at every visit. There may also be a limit to the number of visits a person can have, so it’s wise to check this directly with HMP Send if you have any doubts.

Help with the Cost of Your Visit

Recognising that travel and associated costs can be a barrier for some, financial assistance is available. If you claim certain benefits or possess an NHS health certificate, you might be eligible for help with the costs of your visit. This support can cover various expenses, including travel to HMP Send, somewhere to stay overnight if required, and even meals or snacks during your visit.

Entering HMP Send: Security and Dress Code

Security is paramount within a prison environment. All visitors, including children, will be subjected to a rub-down search upon entry. Additionally, you will be searched by security dogs. These procedures are standard for safety and security.

HMP Send enforces a strict dress code policy. Visitors are expected to wear smart clothes. The following items are explicitly prohibited:

• No revealing clothing
• No vests
• No low-cut tops
• No ripped jeans
• No shorts
• No short dresses
• No offensive slogans
• No headwear, other than that worn for religious reasons

It is crucial to adhere to these guidelines to ensure your entry is not denied. The prison staff will explain all rules at the start of your visit, and failure to comply could result in the cancellation of your visit or even a ban from visiting again.

Items Allowed and Not Allowed

There are very strict rules about what you can take into HMP Send. Most of your personal belongings, including pushchairs and car seats, will need to be left in a locker or with security staff. The refreshment tea bar will be open during social visits, and visitors are permitted to bring a maximum of £20 per person in loose change; no notes are allowed into the prison.

For those visiting with infants, nappies and baby wipes are provided in the visits hall and should not be brought in from outside. You may bring in a bottle of baby milk or an empty bottle that can be filled with water or juice once inside the visits hall.

Keeping Connected Beyond the Visit

While this article focuses on getting to HMP Send for a physical visit, it's worth noting the various ways you can maintain contact with a prisoner during their time there. These options complement physical visits and help maintain vital family ties.

• Secure Video Calls: Prisoners can request secure video calls. You'll need to download the Prison Video app, create an account, register visitors, and add the prisoner to your contact list. Calls are available on specific days and times.
• Phone Calls: Prisoners have phones in their cells and can call anyone on their approved friends and family list, provided they have bought phone credits. Staff may listen to calls.
• Email: You can send emails via the Email a Prisoner service, with the option to attach photos and receive replies.
• Letters: Writing letters is always an option. Ensure the prisoner's name and number are on the envelope, and your name and address are clearly written on the back. All post, except legal letters, will be checked by staff.
• National Prison Radio: Family and friends can send song requests, written messages, and voice recordings to be played on weekly episodes, offering another way to connect.

Support and Facilities at Send

HMP Send is committed to supporting both prisoners and their families. The prison offers facilities and support services to make visits as comfortable as possible.

The family-friendly visitors centre, run by the Prison Advice and Care Trust (PACT), offers valuable information and support for visitors. There's also a tea bar within the centre, which is open before Social Visits. You can contact the centre directly on 01483 471 090 during social visit days.

Family days are special events held throughout the year, allowing prisoners to spend time with family and friends in a more relaxed atmosphere within the visits hall. Lunch is provided on these days, and the minibus service can often be booked in advance for these events too. These days often include fun activities, promoting memorable moments and strengthening family ties.

Key Contact Information and Visiting Times

To assist with your planning, here's a summary of important contact numbers and visiting schedules for HMP Send:

The official address for HMP Send is: HMP Send, Ripley Road, Woking, Surrey, GU23 7LJ.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What ID do I need to visit HMP Send?

A: All visitors aged 18 or older must present physical identification. Photos or screenshots of ID are not accepted. Ensure you have a valid, acceptable form of ID as per prison guidelines, which can be found on official prison visiting information pages.

Q: Can I drive to HMP Send? Is there parking?

A: Yes, you can drive to HMP Send, and there is free car parking available directly at the prison. Detailed driving directions from various routes (M25, Guildford, Woking, Dorking) are provided in this article.

Q: Is there a bus from Woking station to HMP Send?

A: HMP Send provides a dedicated minibus service for Social Visits from Woking station. You need to be at Woking Station by 1pm and wait on the Marks and Spencer side of the station to utilise this service.

Q: What is the dress code for visitors at HMP Send?

A: HMP Send has a strict dress code. Visitors must wear smart clothes. Prohibited items include revealing clothing, vests, low-cut tops, ripped jeans, shorts, short dresses, offensive slogans, and headwear (unless for religious reasons).

Q: Can I bring money into the prison for my visit?

A: Visitors are permitted to bring a maximum of £20 per person in loose change into the visits hall. Banknotes are not allowed. Nappies and baby wipes are provided in the visits hall, and only baby milk (in a bottle or empty bottle to be filled) is permitted for infants.

Q: How do I book a visit to HMP Send?

A: Visits can be booked online. If you have a visiting order, you can also book by telephone on 0300 060 6514. Bookings must be made at least two working days in advance, and you must be on the prisoner's approved visitor list.

Q: Can children visit HMP Send?

A: Yes, children can visit. However, at least one visitor must be 18 or older at every visit. All visitors, including children, will undergo a rub-down search and may be searched by security dogs. Nappies and wipes are provided inside, and baby milk can be brought in.

Conclusion

Navigating your journey to HMP Send, whether by car or train, is made significantly easier with thorough preparation and an understanding of the prison's specific visitor policies. By following the detailed directions provided and adhering to the booking requirements, ID rules, and dress code, you can ensure a smoother and more efficient visit. Remember to utilise the minibus service from Woking station if travelling by train, and always double-check the latest information if you have any doubts. Your thoughtful planning will contribute to a positive visiting experience, allowing you to focus on maintaining crucial connections.

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