Preston

Role and background

HMP Preston is a men's prison in Preston, Lancashire.

Inside the prison and daily life

Its accommodation includes single and shared cells, forming the main residential accommodation. Prisoners have access to a library and three gym areas offering activities for different physical abilities.

Education covers English, maths, IT, graphic design, digital imaging, radio and media production, decorating and art. Support is available for dyslexic learners. Other training includes cleaning, workplace safety, manual handling and first aid.

The resettlement course involves partners supporting accommodation, benefits and careers. It is intended to bring practical release issues together rather than leave work, housing and finances as disconnected tasks.

Prison work spans laundry, maintenance, textiles and orderly services. Personal-development courses address issues including victim awareness and recovery, while a short resettlement course supports preparation for release. Some men may qualify for temporary release following assessment, connecting possible community experience to their individual circumstances.

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

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