Low Newton Prison and Young Offender Institution
Low Newton is a prison and young offender institution (YOI) in Brasside, near Durham, for women aged 18 and over.
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Book and plan your visit to Low Newton
New prisoners are allowed one unbooked ‘reception visit’ in their first 7 days at Low Newton. Family or friends need to come to the Prison Visitors centre at one of the set visiting times and state that they are there for a “reception visit’.
All other visits to Low Newton must be booked 48 hours in advance.
Unconvicted prisoners can have up to 2 visits Monday to Friday and 1 visit on a weekend.
Prisoners who have been convicted can have at least 2 visits each month. This is reviewed each month so they might be able to get more visits.
To visit someone in Low Newton prison you must:
- be on that person’s visitor list
- book your visit between 2 weeks and 48 hours in advance
- have the required ID with you when you go
At least one visitor must be 18 or older at every visit.
are to arrive at the visitors’ centre for PM visits no earlier than 1 hour prior to the start of the visit, any late arrivals may be refused entry.
Refreshments will be on sale or provided in the visitors’ centre or visits room. -subject to visitor centre staffing levels. Please check upon arrival this service if allowed.
One clear baby bottle plus 1 unopened carton of baby milk or 1 clear bottle of breast milk will be permitted for babies along with changing materials.
There will be no play areas open in either the visitors’ centre or visits room until further notice.
Help with the cost of your visit
If you get certain benefits or have an NHS health certificate, you might be able to get help with the costs of your visit, including:
- travel to Low Newton
- somewhere to stay overnight
- meals
How to book family and friends visits
You can book your visit online or by telephone.
Telephone booking line: 0300 303 0632
Booking line opening times:
- Monday: 12pm to 5pm
- Tuesday: 9am to 5pm
- Wednesday: 12pm to 5pm
- Thursday: 9am to 5pm
- Friday: 12pm to 5pm
Visiting times:
- Tuesday: 2pm to 4pm
- Thursday: 2pm to 4pm
- Saturday: 2pm to 4pm
- Sunday: 2pm to 4pm
Visitors are advised not to arrive to the prison until 1 hour before the visit start time.
Prisoners that haven’t been convicted may have 2 weekday visits and 1 weekend visit as per our current visit schedule.
How to book legal and professional visits
Legal and professional visits can be booked via the central booking telephone line 0300 303 0632.
Booking line opening times:
- Monday: 12pm to 5pm
- Tuesday: 9am to 5pm
- Wednesday: 12pm to 5pm
- Thursday: 9am to 5pm
- Friday: 12pm to 5pm
You can also book online.
We can offer Video Legal Visits which can be booked by emailing the following email address:
These are subject to availability of video conferencing rooms.
Visiting times:
- Tuesday: 2:15pm to 4:15pm
- Thursday: 2:15pm to 4:15pm
Getting to Low Newton
Bus: Buses run from North Road in Durham (0.5 miles from the station). No. 62 runs twice hourly and No 64 runs every 10 minutes to Rothbury Road (on Newton Hall Estate) which is a 10 min walk to the establishment.
Train: Durham City is the nearest station. It’s a 10-15 minute walk to the bus stop, or taxis operate from both the station and bus stop.
Car: From the north or south take the A1 (M) to the A167 Chester le Street slip road. On the roundabout below the A1 take the exit posted A167 Durham (from the North it is the 3rd exit from the South it is the first). Coming the second roundabout, follow the A167 Durham Sign, going straight on. There is a large BP garage on the right. You come to another roundabout, go straight ahead, following signpost A167 Durham. Go on to another roundabout, go straight ahead, A167 Durham. You will go under a railway bridge, carry straight on the dual carriageway, straight through the two new roundabouts at Chester Moor and the Red Lion. At the next big roundabout, take the first left signposted Arnison Centre, Newton Hall, Finchale Priory. Carry on past McDonalds, Sainsburys etc. on your right. At the next roundabout go straight across, signposted Newton Hall, Brasside, Finchale Priory. Continue a short distance to another roundabout, (housing estate on the right, Newton Grange pub/hotel on your left). Turn left signposted Newton Hall, Brasside, Finchale Priory. Go on down the hill, under the railway bridge. Take the first right for Low Newton prison.
There is a visitor’s car park at the front of the prison but parking is limited during the week.
To plan your journey by public transport:
Entering Low Newton
All visitors, aged 16 or older must prove their identity before entering the prison. Read the list of acceptable forms of ID when visiting a prison.
All visitors will need to be given a pat-down search, including children. You may also be sniffed by security dogs.
Visitors should dress appropriately, or you could be turned away.
You can purchase refreshments during your visit.
You will need to leave any valuables in a locker before entering the visitor area.
You will be told the rules by an officer at the start of your visit. If you break the rules, your visit could be cancelled and you could be banned from visiting again.
Visiting facilities
On visiting days the Nepacs visitors centre, (outside the prison next to the visitors car park) is open from 12:30pm to 4pm. Visitors centre staff can provide information and support.
There is a tea bar facility Visits are limited to 12 prisoners per Social Visit session, 3 Official/Legal visits, up to 3 closed visits. 3 adults per prisoner, for more than 3 child visitors required, Family Services may contact the prison for approval. Toilet facilities are available.
Visitors using wheelchairs need to make their own arrangements to travel from the visitors centre to the prison. There are no extra prison staff available to push wheelchair users. The route to the main visits hall from the visitors centre is ramped to allow access and takes around 4 minutes.
Family days
The Family Days and Child Parent days have resumed. Approval to attend can be gained by the prisoner through application to the Offender Management Unit (OMU) team managing this service.
Keeping in touch with someone at Low Newton
There are several ways you can keep in touch with a prisoner during their time at Low Newton.
Secure video calls
To have a secure video call with someone in this prison you need to:
- Download the Prison Video app
- Create an account
- Register all visitors
- Add the prisoner to your contact list.
How to book a secure video call
Secure video calls at this prison can be requested by prisoners only.
You will receive a notification if a prisoner has requested a video call with you.
Slots available:
- Monday: Evening slots
- Tuesday: Mornings and Evenings
- Wednesday: Mornings and Evenings
- Thursday: Mornings and Evenings
- Saturday: Mornings
- Sunday: No video calls
Visits are subject to availability, registering via the APP and approval of approved ID. All visitors should be linked with contacts if wishing to be on the same video call.
Phone calls
All cells at Low Newton now have telephones. Prisoners have phones in their own cells so they will always have to call you. They have to buy phone credits to do this. Prisoners can make calls between 7.30am and 9pm for a maximum of 60 minutes per day.
They can phone anyone named on their list of friends and family. This list is checked by security when they first arrive so it may take up to a week before they are able to call.
There are phones on all wings of the prison that can be accessed at certain times. Prisoners may make calls totalling 90 minutes in one 24 hour period.
You can also exchange voicemails using the Prison Voicemail service.
Officers may listen to phone calls as a way of preventing crime and helping keep people safe.
You can send emails to someone in Low Newton using the Email a Prisoner service.
You might also be able to attach photos and receive replies from the prisoner, depending on the rules at Low Newton.
Letters
Include the person’s name and prison number on the envelope.
If you do not know their prison number, contact Low Newton or use the Prisoner Location Service.
All post apart from legal letters will be opened and checked by officers.
Send money and gifts
You can use the free and fast online service to send money to someone in prison.
You can no longer send money by bank transfer, cheque, postal order or send cash by post.
If you cannot use the online service, you may be able to apply for an exemption - for example if you:
- are unable to use a computer, a smart phone or the internet
- do not have a debit card
This will allow you to send money by post.
Gifts and parcels
Parcels are permitted into HMP Low Newton with the following restrictions:
All parcels sent in should be done so after the correct approval has been granted by the prison and only from the approved sender:
Unauthorised parcels will be refused.
- 12 month prisoner parcel allowance – (allowance runs 1 Jan to 31 Dec)
- 4 x a year parcels for Enhanced Prisoners
- 2 x a year parcels for Standard Prisoners
- 0 x parcels for Basic Prisoners
Only items on the current facilities list will be permitted. All parcels should be clearly marked with the senders’ information.
There is a limit to property allowances – please be aware when sending parcels in that items exceeding the allowance will be held or returned to sender.
Flowers are permitted to be sent in but all orders must be via approved suppliers.
Prisoners are given a list of approved items that can be sent to them as gifts from a catalogue or the on-site shop. Contact Low Newton for more information on what is allowed.
Make sure to include the person’s name and prison number on the parcel.
Family and friends of prisoners are permitted to send books directly to their loved ones, or can order books from approved retailers, which can source and send the books on to prisoners. For the full list of approved retailers, you can read the HMPPS Incentives Policy, Annex F.
All parcels will be opened and checked by officers.
Life at Low Newton
Low Newton is committed to providing a safe and educational environment where prisoners can plan for a positive future and learn new skills to help them on release.
Security and safeguarding
Every person at Low Newton has a right to feel safe. The staff at Low Newton are responsible for their safeguarding and welfare at all times.
For further information about what to do when you are worried or concerned about someone in prison visit the Prisoners’ Families helpline website.
Low Newton trains prisoners to be ‘listeners’ for those who need support during difficult times.
Arrival and first night
When a prisoner first arrives at Low Newton, they will be able to contact a family member by phone. This could be quite late in the evening, depending on the time they arrive.
1 x reception visit allowed within the first 7 days without prior booking.
Remand Prisoners – can book visits subject to availability.
Sentenced and convicted prisoners can book visits subject to visiting orders and space availability. Priviledge visiting orders cannot be used at the weekends.
They will get to speak to someone who will check how they’re feeling and ask about any immediate health and wellbeing needs.
They will be offered a hot meal and shower and get a pack of essential items and £2 of phone credit.
An interpreter will be available if needed.
Induction
Regular induction has been re-introduced to HMP Low Newton. This takes place over the first 2 weeks of custody. Initial induction wing familiarisation is in place for all new arrivals.
They will meet professionals who will help them with:
- health and wellbeing, including mental and sexual health
- any substance misuse issues, including drugs and alcohol
- personal development in custody and on release, including skills, education and training
- other support (sometimes called ‘interventions’), such as managing difficult emotions
Everyone also finds out about the rules, fire safety, and how things like calls and visits work.
Accommodation
Around 340 prisoners live at Low Newton.
The accommodation is a mix of single cells with their own or shared washing facilities. There are also some 3-person cells.
Telephones are available to prisoners on wings and are accessible by PIN-phone accounts. There are no phones in cells.
Faith services
Chaplains offer counselling and support. There is a multi-faith group and special events like a Christmas carol service.
Prisoners can apply to attend Sunday services. Multi-faith chaplains visit each week and there are weekly prayer and faith groups.
Education and work
The education provider is NOVUS, providing classroom based functional and vocational skills. Distance learning is still available. Wamitab (cleaning), CRED and Enterprise (sewing) work parties are now running.
Gym sessions for prisoners available. Kitchen, Horticulture and Recycling work available offering qualifications. Shannon Trust peer to peer learning to read available.
Education and training opportunities include:
- health and hygiene training
- gardening skills
- call centre skills
- hairdressing, fashion and beauty
- literacy and numeracy
- life skills, including child-parent studies
- IT
The psychology department offers treatment programmes including:
- enhanced thinking skills
- relapse prevention
- life skills development
Prisoners also have the opportunity to take on orderlies responsibilities, such as in the gym and reception unit, and to get involved in cookery, art and craft.
Prisoners also have access to a library and support from a visiting librarian.
There is also a ‘drop in’ learning facility using computer based learning packages. Both prisoners and staff choose their own time and pace to learn.
Temporary release
Prisoners can sometimes be released on temporary licence, based on a full risk assessment, to help them prepare more gradually for return to the community.
Some prisoners get to live with families for short periods of time and can use this time to plan accommodation or research education and work opportunities for when they are released.
Some prisoners also have work placements in the community, being released on a day-to-day basis to allow them to be in the community and develop their work skills.
Support for family and friends
Find out about advice and helplines for family and friends.
To contact the family and significant other prison lead please email OMU.lownewton@justice.gov.uk and provide return contact information.
Support at Low Newton
NEPACS provide our Visitor Centre service.
Contact info: 0800 012 1539.
Further information can be found at www.nepacs.co.uk
Twitter direct messaging service (DM) available – responses within 24 hours. Twitter notifications updated with key news points and good news. You can follow the account at @HMPLowNewton.
Email a prisoner service has been upgraded to include pictures.
Problems and complaints
If you have a problem contact Low Newton.
HM Prison and Probation Service publishes action plans for Low Newton in response to independent inspections.
Contact details
Governor: Nigel Stevens
Telephone: 0191 376 4000
Monday to Sunday, 24 hours (switchboard)
Find out about call charges
Email: businesshublownewton@justice.gov.uk
Address
HMP/YOI Low Newton
Brasside
Durham
DH1 5YA
Risk line
If you are concerned about the safety or wellbeing of a prisoner in Low Newton, call the risk line in confidence.
Risk line: 0191 376 4189
Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm (answerphone available out of hours)
Find out about call charges
Help us to improve this page. Give us your feedback in this 2-minute survey.
Last updated 1 April 2022 + show all updates
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Updated visiting guidance based on 1 April COVID rule changes
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Added link to new safer custody information under Security and safeguarding.
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Updated visiting information: Visits temporarily suspended
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Updated physical contact guidance
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In-cell telephony update.
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Updated visiting information for newly arrived prisoners.
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New visiting times and booking information added.
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Prison moved into National Stage 3 framework and is now preparing to open visits for family, friends and significant others. We will update this page with specific visiting information as soon as possible.
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visit info
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Updated visit info
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Updated visit info
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Updated visiting information in line with new national restrictions in England.
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Updated visiting information in line with coronavirus restrictions.
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Added legal visits booking information
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Updated visiting times for family and friends.
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Updated visiting information in line with coronavirus restrictions.
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Updated visiting information in line with coronavirus restrictions.
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Updated: Low Newton prison visiting information in line with coronavirus restrictions.
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Updated: HMP Low Newton visiting times and visiting procedure changes in line with coronavirus restrictions.
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Updated governor name from Gabrielle Lee to Rob Young
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Updated information to include confirmation of secure video calls being available at this prison.
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updated survey link
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Prison visits update.
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First published.