Arriving at Ash House

When you arrive you will go first to the prison reception. This is where all your details will be taken, such as, your name, age and next of kin and your warrant is checked. If you have a bag with you, prison officers will check that you can keep everything that you have brought with you. If you don’t have enough clothing or toiletries you will be given what you need by staff. If there are some things that you are not allowed, these will be put in a property box and kept until you are leaving. You will be asked to shower/bathe and you will be searched.

People are naturally worried about being searched but it is important that we check that there are no things like weapons or drugs being smuggled into the prison. During the search you will be asked to remove your clothes from the top and then the bottom half of your body. You will be given a modesty sheet to cover yourself. At no time is there any contact between you and the officer doing the search.

You may be quite upset and confused about what is happening to you especially if it is the first time you have been in prison. The prison officers in reception will talk to you about where you are and try and help you feel a bit better. If your family do not know where you are, an officer will either arrange for you to phone them or they will contact your family.

It usually takes around 30-45 minutes for everything that needs to be done in reception and after that you will go to what is called the committal landing.

Who will you meet when you arrive?

Shortly after arriving the Governor will come and have a chat with you and you will see a member of the healthcare team. If you have any worries about your health or questions about medication speak to the nurse and they should be able to help. You may be referred to a doctor within 24 hours if necessary.

One of the other people you will see is a Probation Officer and they will talk to you about support services for you and your family. Depending on your circumstances the Probation Officer can help with hostels; pre-sentence reports, supervision of Custody Probation Orders and referrals to programmes to help with things like anger and alcohol management. Your Probation officer will also speak to Social Services on your behalf if there any problems with the care of your children.