HMP Hewell

HMP High Down, located in Sutton, Surrey, is more than just a prison; it’s a major UK institution with a complex history and a critical role in rehabilitation. As a family member of a person currently held here, understanding the prison's operational status and processes—especially around communication—is the key to providing essential support. This guide offers an overview of High Down, and practical advice for keeping in touch without breaking the bank.

History and The Current Status

High Down opened in 1992 on the site of a former mental hospital. It was initially a Category A prison but was re-roled in the early 2000s and is now a large Category C training and resettlement prison. This Cat C status means it primarily holds men serving longer sentences who pose a lower security risk and are focused on developing skills for release. However, due to national capacity pressures, High Down also retains the operational burden of a local prison, accepting new committals and men on remand from courts in Croydon and Guildford.

The prison is notable for the groundbreaking Clink Restaurant, which opened in 2009. The Clink trains prisoners in professional catering and is a prime example of the vocational focus a Category C facility should maintain. However, despite these positive initiatives, recent inspections show that HMP High Down is under considerable strain, grappling with high levels of violence and the prevalence of illicit drugs, which is directly linked to debt and poor safety. For families, this means the environment can be challenging, and maintaining a strong connection is more vital than ever for their loved one's mental stability.

Your Guide to Calling from High Down

Maintaining regular telephone contact is one of the most powerful tools in preventing reoffending, yet it is often prohibitively expensive. High Down uses an in-cell telephony system, allowing prisoners to make calls 24/7 to approved numbers using their Personal Identification Number (PIN) credit, which they pay for out of their minimal prison wages or funds sent in by family.

The prison phone system in the UK charges dramatically different rates depending on the type of number dialled:

Landline Numbers (starting 01 or 02):
These are charged at the cheapest rate, typically around 6p–8p per minute.

Mobile Numbers (starting 07):
These are charged at the highest rate, often 14p–18p per minute.

Since most families rely on their mobile phones, the financial burden is enormous. A person earning £10 a week from prison work can easily spend their entire wage on just a few short calls to a mobile number. This is where a smart solution is needed.

Services like callfromprison.co.uk offer a simple, legitimate way to beat the high mobile rates. You sign up for a fixed monthly service and receive a virtual local landline number (e.g., an 020 number local to the Surrey area).

The prisoner submits this new virtual landline number for approval on their PIN list at High Down. When the prisoner calls this number, they are charged the low, standard landline rate. The service automatically diverts the call to your mobile phone, so you can answer anywhere. By using this method, your loved one's phone credit will last up to four times longer, allowing for more frequent and meaningful contact without the constant financial anxiety.

The Visiting Guide

In-person visits offer irreplaceable face-to-face contact. Visits at HMP High Down must be booked in advance.

Booking Your Visit
Social visits are typically booked via the official HMPPS online booking system on the Gov.uk website. You can also contact the prison's visits booking line directly, though phone lines are often busy. You will need the prisoner’s full name, prison number, and date of birth.

Before You GoID is Essential
All adult visitors will need valid photographic ID (such as a passport or photo driving licence) and proof of address. Children also require ID, such as a birth certificate.

Property
You cannot hand anything directly to the prisoner. Any money must be sent via the online payment service, and property only via the official postal system after clearance.

Arrival
The Prison Advice and Care Trust (Pact) runs a Visitors' Centre at High Down, which is your first point of contact. They provide a warm welcome, emotional support, and practical information. Aim to arrive at the Visitors' Centre 30-45 minutes before your booked slot to allow time for processing and security checks.

Financial Assistance

If you receive certain benefits and the cost of travel to High Down is high, you may be eligible for financial help under the Assisted Prison Visits Scheme (APVS). You can apply for this to help cover travel costs and sometimes accommodation and subsistence.

By understanding these procedures and leveraging smart communication methods, you can ensure your support remains a constant, stable force in the often-turbulent environment of HMP High Down.