HMP FOREST BANK VISITORS' CENTRE
Information about the visitors' centre
Contact details
How to get there
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Information for visitors to HMP Forest Bank
Arranging your visit
What can I bring to a visit?
What ID must I bring?
Help with travel costs
How to give the prisoner money
Support from other organisations
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Contact details
The Visitors' Centre
HMP Forest Bank
Agecroft Road
Pendlebury
Manchester
M27 8FB
0161 925 7000 extension 2134
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By bus:
- from Manchester city centre: take bus number 93 or 95 to the Cusson Soap Works stop. Walk up to the mini-roundabout and turn left. It is a 5 – 10 minute walk to the prison.
- from Bolton Moor Lane Bus Station: Take bus number 8 to the Henry Boddington Pub. Transfer to bus number 93 or 95 to the Cusson Soap Works stop. Walk up to the mini-roundabout and turn left. It is a 5 – 10 minute walk to the prison.
- from Salford Precinct: Take bus number 92 to Agecroft Road.
- from Bury: Take bus number 93 to the Cusson Soap Works stop. Walk up to the mini-roundabout and turn left. It is a 5 - 10 minute walk to the prison.
By train:
Take train to either Manchester Piccadilly or Manchester Victoria Stations. The prison is 20 minutes by taxi, available from outside the stations.
By car:
Take junction 17 off the M60 and follow the signs for the A6044.
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- to arrange to visit a prisoner, call the booking line on 0161 925 7029/30. The booking line is open Monday - Friday, 8.30am - 4.30pm except bank holidays
- if you are visiting a convicted prisoner, you must bring your Visiting Order with you. If you are visiting a prisoner on remand, collect your Visiting Order from the visitors’ centre.
- arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your visit time.
- if you are going to be late please ring the visitors’ centre on 0161 925 7000 extension 2134 or your visit may be cancelled.
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- money for refreshments: up to £20 in change for the coffee bar inside the prison visits hall (you must bring change - notes are not accepted)
- property for prisoners: if you are bringing in property, you must tell the booking clerk when you book your visit
- personal items: all personal items (e.g. bags, keys, phones) must be stored in the lockers provided - you cannot take them into the visits hall with you. You will have to pay a £2 refundable deposit for the key. Essential baby items may be permitted with prior permission from the prison staff.
- a freephone taxi number for your return journey is available in the visitors’ centre
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What ID must I bring?
Acceptable photo ID:
- passport
- driver’s licence
- birth certificate
- student ID with photo
- bus pass with photo
- citizenship card
Acceptable proof of address:
- bank statement
- utility bill (gas, electric, phone or water)
- any other official letters (ie. solicitor, hospital, doctor letter), wage
slip/employer’s letter, or a rent/benefit book
For children, bring a birth certificate, passport or Red Book.
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Bringing the children?
Inside the visits hall is a children's play area, run by pact, which provides toys, games and playworkers for the children. Find out more about the play service at HMP Forest Bank
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Help with travel costs
If you are on a low income or you receive benefits, you might be entitled to get help from the government with the cost of visiting your relative in prison. Help is provided by the Assisted Prison Visits Unit (APVU). You can claim for two visits a month.
For more information about the APVU:
- ask at the visitors' centre
- call the APVU on 0845 300 1423
- or visit the Prison Service website
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How to give the prisoner money
You can send money to a prisoner, which will be put into their account. Send a postal order up to £50 made payable to Kalyx (please write prisoner’s name and number and sender’s name and address on the back) and post it to:
Finance Department
HMP Forest Bank
Agecroft Road
Pendlebury
M27 8FB
Please note that this prison does not accept cheques.
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Support from other organisations
There are a number of organisations that offer advice and support to prisoners and their families. To find out more, visit our links page or ask at the visitors' centre.
