Can prisoners keep in contact with their friends and family by post?
The prisoner is entitled to one postage paid letter each week or two if they have not been convicted. Further stamps can be bought from the canteen. Extra free letters can be asked for in a number of circumstances e.g. if there are family problems or the prisoner is arranging a job on their release. Prisoners should check this with the Prison Officers who can answer questions about this. The prisoner will be allowed to buy one extra letter at Christmas and also up to 12 Christmas Cards and stamps from the Canteen. Letters being sent by the prisoner to their solicitor will not be read by Prison staff unless the prison thinks that these letters break the law in some way. Letters to solicitors can be sealed and the words Prison Rule 39A written on the envelope. This also applies to letters to Courts.
