HMP BIRMINGHAM Visiting Information

VISITING INFORMATION

VISITING CENTRE

Visits can also be booked by email at: hmpbirminghambookedvisits@hmps.gsi.gov.uk

Before you book a visit by e-mail, phone or in person at the Visitors' Centre, you need to be aware of the prisoners Visits Pin Code which will be given to you by the prisoner.

If any visitor, or the prisoner that the visitor is visiting, need to use a wheelchair whilst on a visit, visits booking staff must be made aware at the time of booking a visit. Failure to do so may result in your visit being cancelled.

The Visitors' Centre is situated on the opposite side of the road to the prison about 200 yards from the main prison gate and is managed by Halow Birmingham.

The direct phone line to the Visitors' centre is 0121 345 2575

All visitors need to book in on the day of the visit at the Visitors' Centre at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the visit. If you are late for your visit, it may be cancelled.

The only items visitors will be allowed to take with them to the prison on a visit are: loose change to use in the drinks machine, a locker key (if a locker has been used), a house key, a car key, visitors identification and babies bottle/feeding cup/nappy for those bringing a baby with them on the visit. All baby feeding bottles/cups must be made from clear, see through material. If a bag is used to carry items into the prison, the bag must be made of clear, see through material.

Lockers are available at the Visitors Centre should you wish to use them. The prison takes no responsibility for the contents of the lockers. The prison does not insist that you use a locker before you enter the prison, only that you do not take unauthorised items into the prison. A £1 coin deposit is required for the use of a locker.

Hooded tops, outside jackets/coats, hats and scarves are not allowed within the Visits Room. Cardigans and tracksuit tops are allowed only if they have no outside pockets.

Drug Concern holds an advice and information surgery for families concerned about drug abuse on Friday afternoons at the Visit Centre.

NOTE: All visitors are required to have their photograph taken. Anyone refusing will be denied access to their visit.

A prisoner is allowed to hold their 'babes-in-arms' for a short period at the beginning and end of the visit.

VISIT ROOM

VISITING TIMES

VISITING FREQUENCY

OFFICIAL VISITS

Visits can also be booked by email at: hmpbirminghamlegalvisits@hmps.gsi.gov.uk

Official Visit Times
Mon-Fri: 08:15 - 09:15, 09:15 - 10:00, 10:00 - 10:45, 10:45 - 11:30, 13:30 - 14:15, 14:15 - 15:00 & 15:00 - 15:45.

Additional time can be booked on request.

Official identification will be required.

Special requests must be received in writing to take in tape recorders, lap-top computers, cameras, etc.
48-hours notice of any cancellation would be appreciated.
Letter of authority required for all Police visits.

PVL - Prison Video Link - 0121 345 2500 ext 2464
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LOCAL INFORMATION

Taxi

Atlas Cars
86 Digbeth Street, Birmingham B5 6DY
0800 977 4262

Crown Cars
34 Bristol Street, Birmingham B5 7AA
0121 444 4444

Five Star Cars
87 Mcdonald Street, Birmingham B5 6TN
0121 685 1111

Accommodation

Grimscote Manor
Lichfield Road, Coleshill B46 1LH
0800 996 1222

Avalon Hotel
48 Sherbourne Road, Acocks Green, B27 6EA
0121 708 2177

Sir Charles Napier
210 Gooch Street, Birmingham B5 7HY
0121 622 1412

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

MINORS AND VISITORS UNDER 18

Any visitor under 18 is classified as a minor and will not be allowed to visit unless;
1. The minor is a child of the prisoner
2. The minor is a brother or sister of the prisoner and is accompanied by their parent or legal guardian
3. The minor is a child of one of the visitors (accompanying visitor must be over 18 years of age)

In all cases of minors visiting a prisoner at HMP Birmingham, a full birth certificate is required as one part of personal identification.
 

ACCEPTABLE IDENTIFICATION

Identification for all visitors is required including children. All visitors must show some form of identification. One of the following forms of identify is acceptable, along with 2 utility bills (eg, gas bill, electricity bill, phone bill or Visa/loans/bank statement):

Passport – including foreign and time expired Passports where the photograph is still recognizable.
Photo Driving License
Senior citizen Public Transport Pass
Annual Public Transport Season ticket with photo card
Employers ID card with photograph
Benefits book
Prison pass

Or two of the following forms of ID along with 2 utility bills. (eg, gas bill, electricity bill, phone bill or Visa/loans/bank statement):

Marriage or Birth Certificate
Rail or Bus Pass with photograph
Cheque book and debit/credit card – (counts as one, do not accept as two forms of ID)
Employers card or ID without photograph
Young persons ‘Proof of Age' card
Trade Union or National Student Union Membership card
Rent Book
Medical Card
 

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Train:
Take a train to New Street Station NOT Birmingham International. The prison is approximately 5 miles from Birmingham New Street Train Station. From there the journey can be completed either by taxi or by bus.

Facilities at Birmingham New Street Station: Refreshments, toilets, baby changing facilities, pay phone and ATM. The station is suitable for disabled passengers with lift access to all platforms.
Click here for Networkrail information

Bus: 
Route 101 to Lodge Road from the City Centre.
Click here for timetable finder
 

PRISON SWITCHBOARD TELEPHONE NUMBERS

These numbers are not for booking visits but may be useful in emergencies or if you have problems booking a visit or enroute.
Tel: 0121 345 2500
Fax: 0121 345 2501

Updated: June 2010