Information for young people

What about me?

Everyone needs help when a family member goes to prison, and you should never be afraid to talk about your feelings or ask for help. The Castle Gate Centre has a Support Worker who is there to listen and help through this tough time. Remember, it’s happened to other people your age too. You are not alone.

What will happen to my family?

For prisoners in Gloucester Prison, the Castle Gate Centre provides a service that helps families keep in touch with loved ones throughout their sentence.

What’s Gloucester Prison like?

Gloucester is a category B adult prison with a capacity of 323 inmates. It is also a Young Offender Remand Centre. The prison is dedicated to learning so prisoners can get qualifications.

Support is available in the prison so prisoners can work on any addictions and can get help with a house and job when they are released.

How do I keep in touch?

Your relative knows you’re still thinking about them and by telling them what you are up to, they can be proud of you and your achievements and will give them something to look forward to.

Here are just some suggestions to help stay in touch with a relative in Gloucester Prison:

• CD’s – Send in your favourite albums; keep them up to date with the music you love!
• Write Letters – Tell them what you’ve been up to, stick in pictures or newspaper clippings of interest to you. Review your favourite books, films, games or gigs in your letter.
• Photos – (not with the prisoner in them) Send in a collage of your favourite pictures or a recent trip you went on to show them what you get up to.
• Paper/Envelopes/Stamps/Pens – So they can write back of course!
• Phone Calls - They can call you - only at certain times. Be patient, they are doing their best to try to speak to you!

I’m nervous about the visits - what will it be like?

If under 18 you must be a direct relation to the prisoner (i.e. son/daughter and with the same surname) and accompanied by an adult. You will also need some ID. Other relatives need the Governors permission to visit.

The prisoner will send you (if over 18) or your parent/guardian a Visiting Order (VO) so you can book a visit. The Castle Gate Centre, HM Prison Service and Supporting Families website has more info on booking and attending visits.

Where to turn...

As well as teachers, good friends and relatives don’t forget that the Castle Gate Centre is there to help you. There are lots of phonelines or websites that can also help. 

This information is taken from 'What about me?', a special leaflet for teenagers with a family member in prison published by Gloucester Prison.