HMP Bullingdon

HMP Bullingdon is a Category B men’s prison located near Bicester in Oxfordshire. It serves the Thames Valley region, housing both remand and sentenced prisoners. For families and friends of those inside, understanding how the prison operates – from its history and current structure to phone calls and visits – is vital. This guide provides everything you need to know about HMP Bullingdon.

History of HMP Bullingdon

HMP Bullingdon opened in 1992 as part of the government’s expansion of the prison estate during the late 20th century. Originally designed to hold around 800 prisoners, it has since been expanded and reconfigured to house well over 1,000 men. Its role has shifted over time to include both remand prisoners awaiting trial and sentenced inmates, which has created a unique set of challenges in managing the population.

Setup and Facilities

Today, HMP Bullingdon has capacity for more than 1,100 men. The prison is divided into multiple wings, each serving different purposes such as remand, sentenced, induction, and vulnerable prisoners.

Facilities include:
Cell Accommodation: Mainly single and double cells, with access to telephones for outgoing calls.
Education and Training: Delivered by external providers, including vocational courses to prepare prisoners for work after release.
Workshops: Opportunities for employment inside prison, including laundry, kitchens, and industrial workshops.
Healthcare Services: Covering general health, mental health, and substance misuse recovery programmes.
Gym and Recreation: Designed to support rehabilitation and positive use of time in custody.

Problems and Challenges

Like many UK prisons, HMP Bullingdon faces ongoing issues. Overcrowding has been a consistent problem, placing pressure on facilities and staff. Reports have highlighted high levels of violence, drug use, and self-harm incidents. Staffing shortages have also been a concern, limiting the ability to maintain a safe environment. Balancing remand and sentenced prisoners adds further strain to prison operations.

How to Call a Prisoner at HMP Bullingdon

Prisoners at HMP Bullingdon have access to telephones inside their cells or communal areas. They can only make outgoing calls to approved numbers, and all calls are recorded and monitored for security purposes. Family and friends cannot call into the prison directly.

Call Costs
Prison phone calls can be expensive. From HMP Bullingdon, calling a mobile can cost up to 16p per minute, while landline calls are cheaper. This often creates difficulties for families who rely mainly on mobiles, making it harder to stay in touch regularly.

CallFromPrison.co.uk offers families a simple solution to reduce costs. By providing a virtual landline number that connects directly to your mobile, prisoners can call you at the cheaper landline rate instead of the expensive mobile rate.

The benefits include:
Huge Savings: Calls charged at the cheaper landline rate.
Easy Setup: No complicated technology – just a number your loved one dials.
Better Communication: Stay in touch more often without worrying about the cost.

Regular phone contact plays an essential role in rehabilitation, and CallFromPrison.co.uk makes it affordable for families to maintain strong bonds.

Visiting HMP Bullingdon

Visits are available at HMP Bullingdon, but must be booked in advance.

Booking Visits: Book online through the GOV.UK prison visits booking service.
Visiting Times: Sessions are usually available on weekdays and weekends. Times vary, so always check before travelling.
Arrival: Visitors should arrive early to clear security checks. Photo ID and proof of address are required.
Rules: Personal belongings, mobile phones, and bags cannot be taken into the visits hall. Lockers are available for storage.
Family Facilities: The visits hall is designed to be family-friendly, with refreshments available and staff support for those bringing children.

HMP Bullingdon has a long history as a local and training prison, with a mixed population of remand and sentenced prisoners. While it faces challenges such as overcrowding and drug use, it continues to provide education, work, and recovery opportunities. For families, staying in contact is crucial – both through visits and regular phone calls. With services like CallFromPrison.co.uk, it’s possible to save money and keep communication open, supporting prisoners in their rehabilitation journey.