We know that many families have difficulty in handing in clothes for loved ones in Wandsworth. The rules are not clear, judgements about what is acceptable seem arbitrary and packages can take a long time to get through.
This post gives guidance on what sort of clothing is likely to be acceptable and how to deliver it to the prison. It is not official advice from the prison. and we can make no guarantees about what prison officers will decide but we hope this gives families a better chance of getting clothing through to their loved ones.
Before you go
1. First the prisoner must book a “clothing hand in”. There is a kiosk on his wing to do this. Remind him to book or you can’t hand in anything, you will be turned away.
2. Take two proofs of identity with you - one must be photo ID (like a passport or driving license or travel pass) the other must be less than three months old and must show your home address. Don’t forget them.
3. Once your prisoner has put in a request, you will be given a day to bring in the clothes, to the PACT Family house to the left of the prison. The opening hours (for hand -ins) are:
• Tuesdays 9.00-11.45 am and 1.30-3.45 pm.
• Thursdays 9.00-11.45am and 1.30-3.45pm
• Saturdays 9.00-11.45am
Making up the parcel - the rules
1. There are strict rules about the parcel you can hand in. If you try to put something in that is not allowed, you will end up sending in half a parcel and your prisoner will not get all the clothes he wants. You cannot ‘top up’ on a later visit.
2. After the first 28 days you can only hand in one parcel a year unless your prisoner is over 50 years old. If he is over 50 you can do ‘a hand in’ every six months.
3. Watch out for sizes. Most men change shape in prison. Don’t pack anything that was ever tight. If you have any doubts, go bigger – clothes that are too small are miserable.
4. Colours. Prisoners are not allowed clothing which is:
• Black
• White
• Navy Blue
• Camouflage
5. Other restrictions:
• External pockets are not allowed (like the pockets on cargo trousers and cargo shorts)
• Nothing ripped or torn (including the frayed knees on some fashion jeans)
• Absolutely nothing with a hood, so no hoodies
• Nothing padded, quilted or with inner netting. You should be especially careful to check shorts as they often have a netting liner.
• Nothing with slogans or support for a particular cause or team or country – no football kit, for example
• No three-quarter trousers/cargo shorts etc.
• No string vests
• No belts with large buckles
• No bedding
The ideal parcel
• 10 pairs underpants
• 10 pairs socks
• 7 tops. Aim for three plain tee shirts and four sweatshirt-type tops or track suit tops (without hoods)
• 3 pairs of bottoms - jogging bottoms, track suit bottoms, jeans (but not ripped or distressed)
• 3 pairs shorts (remember to check for outside pockets and netting inside - not allowed)
• 2 pyjama sets - soft and loose – (they must be pyjama sets not just a tee shirt and shorts, but ones that are like tee shirt and soft trousers/shorts are more useful)
• 1 dressing gown
• 2 towels – (dark colours are sensible)
• 2 flannels
• 1 pair of sliders or flipflops or crocs - important but just one pair.
• 2 pairs of trainers – aim for comfort and definitely not expensive ones, and no obvious metal trimmings.
• 1 watch - not worth more than £50 and with no internet connection like a Fitbit watch and no stopwatch within them. (old fashioned wind up is sensible)
• 2 prayer gowns for Muslims
Final check - check again
Have you got photo proof of who you are, and recent evidence of your address?
• Are all the clothes plain and in the allowed colours (not black, white, navy or camouflage).
• The beds and living conditions are poor so look for soft and comfortable.
• Don’t hand in anything that is hard work to wash or will shrink wildly.
• Don’t put in anything that needs ironing.
Special exceptions
You can only hand in clothes once a year, after the first 28 days, but there are exceptions. You can always hand in:
• Socks and underwear
• Prescription spectacles
• Books - but puzzle books and magazines should be posted.
• Clothing for a court appearance. Remember if you are handing in clothes for a court appearance to also take shoes, and make sure they are smart; prison doesn’t accept jeans as court clothes.
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