This guide includes information that you may find useful for the duration of the time your family or friend is a resident at HMYOI Cookham Wood. If you notice anything that is incorrect on this page, please contact us at [email protected]

If you need support:

For more information, support and advice on all aspects of the justice system, you can contact the Prisoners’ Families Helpline on 0808 808 2003 (9am – 8pm Monday to Friday and 10am – 3pm at the weekend)

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HMYOI Cookham Wood
Sir Evelyn Road
Rochester
Kent
ME1 3LU

Currently, YJB deliver visitor services at HMYOI Cookham Wood.

Visits information can be found on the Ministry of Justice website or you can ring the main switchboard on 01634 202 500.

Remember, there are other ways to contact your loved ones:

• Exchange voice messages using the Prison Voicemail
• Send emails using the Email A Prisoner
• Write a letter to them.

Secure Video Calls 

This prison offers a secure video call service called Prison Video. You will need to use the Prison Video app on your phone or tablet device to have a video call with someone in prison. 

The Prison Video app is available to download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store (or equivalent app stores outside the UK).  HMPPS has produced a user guide and a list of frequently asked questions that will give you all the information you need to start using Prison Video. You can find this at https://www.prisonersfamilies.org/change-of-video-call-service  

Only people aged 18 or over can register for an account with Prison Video. 

You will need to provide your name, address, and date of birth, and upload photos of your ID and face. You will also need to add details of any other people who wish to take part in the video calls with you, such as children, and upload a clear photo of each participant’s face. 

You will need to upload ID for people over the age of 18 only, unless the prison specifically asks for anything else. 

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Safer Custody 

If you are worried that your loved one is at immediate risk while they are a resident at this prison, you can contact the Safer Custody team on 01634 673 148.  

You may be asked to leave a voicemail. Please make sure you include: 

• Your name. 

• The reason that you are calling. 
• The name of your family member/friend (and their prison number if you know it). 
• Your telephone number (so that the prison can call you back). 

Please wait at least 24 hours for a call back before contacting the prison again. 

You can also contact the Prisoners’ Families Helpline for advice and support on all aspects of the criminal justice system:

• Call 0808 808 2003 (9am – 8pm Monday to Friday and 10am – 3pm at the weekend)
• Email the team on [email protected]