Manchester Prison Information

Manchester Prison, officially known as HMP Manchester, is a Category A men's prison located in the city of Manchester, England. Managed by Her Majesty's Prison Service, Manchester Prison is one of the oldest prisons in the country. Here is important information about Manchester Prison:

Manchester Prison, commonly referred to as Strangeways, was first established in 1868 and has a rich historical significance in the British prison system. It serves as a Category A prison, designed to hold high-risk and dangerous offenders, including those convicted of serious offenses such as murder, terrorism, and sexual offenses.

Manchester Prison is classified as a Category A prison, indicating the highest level of security. The prison employs strict measures to ensure the safety of staff, visitors, and the public, given the nature of the offenses committed by its inmates.

Manchester Prison primarily accommodates adult male offenders. The prison has a capacity to house approximately 1,200 inmates, including those on remand, serving long-term sentences, or considered to be high-risk individuals.

Manchester Prison offers various facilities and services to meet the needs of its inmates while maintaining a secure environment. These include:
  • Accommodation: The prison consists of multiple residential units with individual cells or shared accommodation for inmates. The cells are equipped with basic amenities, including beds, personal storage, and sanitation facilities.
  • Education and Vocational Training: Manchester Prison provides educational programs and vocational training to help inmates develop skills, gain qualifications, and improve their chances of successful reintegration into society. These programs may include basic literacy and numeracy courses, vocational skills training, and accredited educational qualifications.
  • Work Opportunities: Inmates have access to work opportunities within the prison, such as maintenance, cleaning, kitchen, and other designated roles. These work activities aim to develop skills, instill discipline, and provide a sense of responsibility.
  • Healthcare: Manchester Prison has an on-site healthcare unit staffed with medical professionals who provide primary healthcare services to prisoners. Mental health support, substance abuse programs, and specialized medical care are also available.
  • Family Contact: The prison recognizes the importance of maintaining family relationships and facilitates visits and contact with family members, subject to specific guidelines and regulations.
  • Resettlement Support: Manchester Prison offers pre-release planning and support to help inmates prepare for their eventual release. This may include assistance with accommodation, employment, and access to community-based support services.
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Contact Information
HMP Manchester,
Southall Street,
Manchester,
M60 9AH

Tel: 0161 817 5600

Website: Maidstone Prison
Booking a visit to Manchester Prison
Visiting Times at Manchester Prison

You can book a reception visit by calling the prison or by email:
VisitsbookingManchester@justice.gov.uk.

Reception visits take place during a prisoner’s first few weeks in Manchester Prison at the times shown below.

All other visits are booked by prisoner led application.

Reception visits booking line: 0161 817 5655

Booking line opening times, Monday to Thursday 8am to 4pm, and Friday 8am to 12pm.

All other visits must be booked by the prisoner, who will need to inform you of the details.

Visiting times:
  • Monday: 2:30pm to 4pm
  • Tuesday: 2:30pm to 4pm
  • Wednesday: afternoons, closed visits only via Phone Hub
  • Thursday: afternoons, closed visits only via Phone Hub
  • Saturday: 10am to 11:30am and 2:30pm to 4pm
  • Sunday: 2:30pm to 4pm
Please call the booking line for up-to-date information.

All visitors must book in at the visitor’s centre 30 minutes before the visit is due to start. Any visitor who does not arrive on time may not be allowed entry unless they have contacted POPS in the Visitors Centre 0161 817 5899/5886.

Manchester Prison Information

Getting to Manchester Prison:

The closest railway station is Manchester Victoria, which is about a 5-minute walk from the prison.

Manchester Piccadilly is 10 minutes from Manchester Victoria by tram or taxi.

Several local buses pass close to the prison.

To plan your journey by public transport:

https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/
https://www.traveline.info/

There is no parking at the prison but there are several public car parks in the city centre.
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