Isis

Role and background

HMP Isis is a men's prison and young offender institution in Thamesmead, south-east London.

Inside the prison and daily life

Named after an ancient name for the River Thames, it has two houseblocks called Thames and Meridian. There are both single and double cells. Facilities include a gym, an education and vocational centre, and spaces supporting skills and CV preparation.

Training includes construction, bicycle repair, waste management, barbering, industrial cleaning and catering. Media, reprographics and broadcasting provide additional options, alongside academic qualifications and English-language support.

Mentoring roles require suitable learning before an application can be made. Such roles combine responsibility with experience of supporting others, rather than simply providing another title within the prison.

Prisoners can apply for work in many areas of the establishment. Those who complete suitable learning-and-development training may seek roles as mentors and peer workers. This creates a potential route from being a learner to helping others, alongside programmes intended to address offending behaviour.

Visiting and family contact

Family contact is another part of the picture. Before travelling, relatives should confirm current booking arrangements, identification requirements, accessibility support and rules on permitted items. Timetables and available services can change, so an overview should be used alongside up-to-date visiting information.

Practical advice before you make arrangements

Use Isis's official page below for its current booking route, required identification, permitted items and travel instructions.

Confirm that the person is still at Isis and that your visit has been accepted before making travel arrangements. Ask the prison in advance about disability access, medication or children's needs.