Littlehey Prison
Littlehey is a prison near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire for men convicted of a sex offence.
Applies to England and Wales
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Book and plan your visit to Littlehey
To visit someone in Littlehey you must:
- be on that person’s visitor list
- book your visit in advance
- have the required ID with you when you go
At least one visitor must be 18 or older at every visit.
There may be a limit to the number of visits a prisoner can have. You can check this with Littlehey.
Other requirements to be aware of when visiting HMP Littlehey:
- All visitors will be given a rub-down search, including children
- You will also be sniffed by security dogs
Contact Littlehey if you have any questions about visiting.
Help with the cost of your visit
If you get certain benefits or have an NHS health certificate, you might be able to get help with the costs of your visit, including:
- travel to Littlehey
- somewhere to stay overnight
- meals
How to book family and friends visits
You can book your visit online, by telephone or by email to Socialvisits.littlehey@justice.gov.uk.
Booking line: 01480 335 650
Line opens: Tuesday to Sunday 9:30am to 4pm.
Find out about call charges
Visiting times:
- Tuesday to Friday: 2pm to 4pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 9am to 11am and 2pm to 4pm
Secure Video Call Times:
- Mondays and Wednesdays: 9am to 11:15am and 2pm to 4pm
- Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays: 2pm to 4pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 9am to 11am and 2pm to 4pm
Should there be any changes or amendments to these times, this will be stated when booking.
How to book legal and professional visits
You can book a legal visit via video link by emailing: videolink.littlehey@justice.gov.uk.
You can book a face-to-face legal visit by emailing: legalvisits.littlehey@justice.gov.uk.
Legal visiting times:
- Monday: 9am to 11am and 2pm to 4pm
- Wednesday 9am to 11am
Getting to Littlehey
The closest railway stations are St Neots and Huntingdon, which are both around 9 miles from Littlehey.
There is a bus that can be booked from Huntingdon bus and railway stations. This is run by Vectare DRT, their contact number 01157 773 182 or there is a mobile phone app that can be downloaded to book a trip.
The visitors centre can also provide support by assisting to book a taxi between the prison and Huntingdon bus and rail stations.
To plan your journey by public transport:
There is a free visitors car park, including spaces for Blue Badge holders.
Entering Littlehey
All visitors, aged 16 or older must prove their identity before entering the prison. Read the list of acceptable forms of ID when visiting a prison.
All visitors will need to be given a pat-down search, including children. There will also be a sniffer dog present.
Visitors dress code
Littlehey prison has a strict dress code policy, which means visitors must be always dressed appropriately as we aim to create a family friendly atmosphere during visits. This instruction applies to all visitors to the establishment regardless of age and gender.
Coats and Jackets are not allowed to be worn into the visit’s hall. Coat hooks are available in the visits foyer where they can be left at the owner’s risk.
Any clothing that is deemed to be revealing will be challenged by staff and may result in you being refused entry.
There are strict controls on what you can take into Littlehey. You will have to leave most of the things you have with you in a locker (for which you will need a £1 coin) or with security. This includes pushchairs and car seats.
Visitors are reminded that staff are required to search visitors as a condition of entry.
It is inappropriate to wear the following types of clothing:
- short/cropped tops that reveal a naked midriff
- low cut tops or shirts that unbutton to reveal cleavage or bare chest
- vests (as a single garment)
- mini skirts that are shorter that knee length and expose thighs
- shorts that are shorter than knee length and expose thighs
- all types of see-through/Skintight clothing
- headwear (other than for religious purposes holding pins must be removed)
- clothing that is offensive in nature or displays offensive, discriminatory, or inappropriate material
- slippers/sliders/flip-flops/high-heeled shoes/wedges (open toe sandals are permitted but must be attached to the rear)
- team affiliated sportswear (including team logo’s)
- padded garments/gilets/body warmers
- any clothing fitted with extra-large buckles, chain’s and/or excessive amounts of zips
- combat trousers
- jeans with rips/tears in them
- clothing which finishes mid-thigh
The visits rules are clearly displayed on the table in the visits hall. If you break the rules, your visit could be cancelled and you could be banned from visiting again.
Visiting facilities
There’s a visitors centre at Littlehey.
Refreshments are available to purchase during your visit. Adults visitors can take in up to £30 each in notes and coins.
The children’s play area is now open, with family support workers providing some activities.
Family days
HMP Littlehey commits to hold a minimum of 12 family or children visits events a year. Prisoners will be notified of these dates at least six weeks before the event date. Prisoners must submit an application to attend, which will be vetted and informed of the decision.
Details of what to expect please contact: Socialvisits.littlehey@justice.gov.uk or call the booking line.
Keep in touch with someone at Littlehey
You may not be able to speak with someone at Littlehey during their first few days. This is because it can take time to approve who they can be in touch with.
Prisoners do not have phones in their cells so they will always need to call you rather than you call them.
Phone calls
Prisoners can phone anyone named on their list of friends and family. This list is checked by security.
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.
Secure video calls
To have a secure video call with someone in this prison you need to:
- Download the Prison Video app
- Create an account
- Register all visitors
- Add the prisoner to your contact list.
How to book a secure video call
Secure video calls at this prison can be requested by prisoners only.
You will receive a notification if a prisoner has requested a video call with you.
You can send emails to someone in Littlehey using the Email a Prisoner service.
You might also be able to attach photos and receive replies from the prisoner, depending on the rules at Littlehey.
Letters
Include the person’s name and prisoner number on the envelope. If you do not know their prisoner number, contact Littlehey.
All post apart from legal letters will be opened and checked by officers.
Sending in money
You can use the free and fast online service to send money to someone in prison.
You can no longer send money by bank transfer, cheque, postal order or send cash by post.
If you cannot use the online service, you may be able to apply for an exemption for example if you:
- Are unable to use a computer, a smart phone, or the internet
- Do not have a debit card
This will allow you to send money by post.
Books
There is a 6-book limit on the number of books a prisoner can have handed or sent in. The prisoner does need to be mindful of their in-cell property allowance.
Books Posted In:
There is an approved suppliers list that must be utilised for books being sent in directly from the supplier. Make sure to include the prisoner’s name and prison number on the parcel. The approved suppliers are as follows:
- Blackwell’s
- Foyles
- Waterstones
- WH Smith
- Wordery
- Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights
- Housmans
- Incentive Plus
- Prison Org uk
This is within the HMPPS Incentives Framework, Annex F.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/incentives-policy-framework/incentives-policy-framework-annex-f-sending-and-handing-in-of-books-to-prisoners
It is possible to also send books directly in from a home address, again including a note with the prisoner’s name and prison number. Along with a sender’s name and address.
Books handed In:
Prisoners are permitted to have their family/friend’s hand in books on a visit. Visitors will not be allowed to hand the book directly to the prisoner. To utilise this process, the following process is to be observed:
- The prisoner submits a general application to the Operations CM/Governor stating books are requested to be handed in on a visit
- The Operations CM/Governor will provide an acknowledgement response to that application
- The acknowledgement information will be shared with the visitor centre staff to expect books will be brought with a visitor to hand in.
- Once the acknowledgement reply has been returned to the prisoner, arrangements can be made for the visitor to bring the books to the establishment
- Books are to be handed in at the visitor’s centre. These staff will bag and label them with the prisoner’s name and number and date handed in
- The operations function will ensure books are collected from the visitor’s centre regularly during the week and taken to reception for processing
Please be aware the visitor centre staff must not be in any way be mistreated during this process. They are merely collating the books at the earliest opportunity on the visitor’s arrival at the prison. Prison staff will then complete the necessary searching and recording processes.
A notice to this effect is displayed in the visitor centre for visitors to be aware of these requirements.
Parcels
Prisoners in Littlehey are given access to the Facilities List that provides a list of approved items that they can have in possession. To have a parcel sent in a prisoner must seek permission first. Upon receipt of this permission, they can then make arrangements with their families/friends. Please note the following processes apply:
Gold/Enhanced IPF Parcels:
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To receive a parcel, the prisoners you must have been Gold IPF level for a period of six months or more from the date of application
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Clothing parcels are not to be sent in until your application has been approved. Any parcels received without approval will be placed in stored property
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The parcel must only have clothing or footwear items within it; any other items will be placed in stored property. Other items include sports equipment, electricals, toiletries, CDs/DVDs, books etc
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All clothing items must be sent in directly from a reputable supplier, such as M&M, Jacamo, Cotton Traders, Sports Direct. No clothing is to be sent from a private address
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Items must arrive in ONE parcel only and sent directly from a supplier only
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All clothing and footwear items must be new, not worn/second-hand
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All clothing and footwear items must meet the facilities list requirements. Any items that do not meet the facilities list requirements will not be issued and placed in stored property
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The parcel must contain a maximum of 12 items of clothing and footwear.
Socks and underwear are also permitted but do not count towards the 12 items maximum
- The items must total an approximate value of no more than £250
28-day Parcels:
A 28-day parcel can only be applied for if the prisoner has been sentenced in the last 28 days of arriving at Littlehey. It is not a 28-day parcel on arrival at a new establishment.
For decency reasons, new arrivals to Littlehey may apply by general application to have a small parcel of socks and underwear sent in from family/friends. These items must still have the tags/labels intact to indicate they are new and not used/second-hand. The parcel must not contain any other items, as these will be placed into stored property. A short note should be put inside the parcel indicating the senders name and address.
The handing in of clothing parcels or any other parcel (other than books) is not permitted unless exceptional permission has been granted by the Head of Operations.
Exceptional Parcels:
There may be occasions where exceptional circumstances will allow for other items to be handed in or posted in, however the prisoner must have permission in writing from the Head of Operations before any arrangements can be made.
Key things to remember when sending parcels into HMP Littlehey:
- You are advised not to hand any items in on visits or post items in until the prisoner has informed you they have approval to receive them
- Please make sure to include the person’s name and prisoner number on the parcel
- All parcels will be opened and checked by officers before being issued to the prisoner
Life at Littlehey
Littlehey is committed to providing a safe and educational environment where men can learn new skills to help them on release.
Security and safeguarding
Every prisoner at Littlehey has a right to feel safe. The staff are responsible for their safeguarding and welfare at all times.
For further information about what to do when you are worried or concerned about someone in prison visit the Prisoners’ Families helpline website.
At Littlehey there’s a listener scheme to support prisoners at risk of suicide or self harm. There’s also a buddy scheme to combat bullying.
Arrival and first night
When a prisoner first arrives at Littlehey, 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 prisoner who arrives at Littlehey 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 1,200 men live at Littlehey. Some cells are shared.
As well as the accommodation blocks, there’s an all-weather sports pitch, gymnasium, adult learning centre and kitchen buildings.
There are 2 healthcare departments serving Littlehey.
Education and work
Littlehey has a wide range of learning opportunities. This includes educational classes from basic skills to degree level and practical training courses in carpentry, joinery, motor mechanics, hospitality and ICT. There’s also production and domestic work.
Littlehey works with partners to help prisoners find employment and resettle in the community.
Littlehey also offers specific behaviour programmes for men convicted of a sex offence.
Support for family and friends
Find out about advice and helplines for family and friends.
Support at Littlehey
Family services at Littlehey are provided by Invisible Walls.
To contact our head of family provision at HMP Littlehey email: Socialvisits.littlehey@justice.gov.uk
Please state that your email is for the attention of Head of Operations to gain a response.
Concerns, problems and complaints
In an emergency
Call 01480 335 000 if you think a prisoner is at immediate risk of harm. Ask for the Orderly Officer and explain that your concern is an emergency.
| Contact category | Phone number | Additional information |
|---|---|---|
| Non-emergency | 01480 335 209 | Call this number if you have concerns about a prisoner’s safety or wellbeing which are serious but not life-threatening or complete a safer custody contact form on the Prisoners’ Families Helpline website. |
| Staff Integrity Hotline | 0800 917 6877 (24 hours answering machine) |
This number can be called anonymously. If you are concerned about a prisoner being bullied by a member of staff, you can use this number. As this line is managed separately from the prison, you can call this number anonymously. |
| Prisoners’ Families Helpline | 0808 808 2003 | The Prisoners’ Families Helpline can provide confidential support, advice and guidance. |
| Unwanted Prisoner Contact | 0300 060 6699 | If a prisoner is contacting you and you want them to stop, you can use the Unwanted Prisoner Contact Service. You can complete the Stop prisoner contact online form, email unwantedprisonercontact@justice.gov.uk or contact by phone. |
Problems and complaints
If you have any other problem contact Littlehey.
Inspection reports
HM Prison and Probation Service publishes action plans for Littlehey in response to independent inspections.
Contact Littlehey
Governor: Matthew Tilt
Telephone: 01480 335 000
Fax: 01480 335 070
Find out about call charges
Address
HMP Littlehey
Perry
Huntingdon
Cambridgeshire
PE28 0SR
Help us to improve this page. Give us your feedback in this 2-minute survey.
Updates to this page
Published 7 April 2020Last updated 15 October 2024 + show all updates
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Added update to telephone booking line opening hours (9:30 to 4pm) and added list of visitor dress code.
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Secure video calls update.
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Updated visiting guidance based on 1 April COVID rule changes
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Added link to new safer custody information under Security and safeguarding.
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Updated visiting information: Testing for visitors aged 12 and over.
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Added link to information about testing for physical contact at visits.
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New visiting times and booking information added.
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Prison moved into National Stage 3 framework and is now preparing to open visits for family, friends and significant others. We will update this page with specific visiting information as soon as possible.
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Updated visiting information in line with new local restriction tiers.
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Updated visit info
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Update visits info
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Updated visiting information in line with new national restrictions in England.
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Updated visiting information in line with coronavirus restrictions.
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Updated information about secure video calls.
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Updated governor name
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added survey link
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First published.