Elmley Prison Family Support Services

At HMP Elmley Spurgeons runs family days, parenting courses for prisoners and provide special children's activities on visits. Spurgeons staff (based in the Visitors Centre) and our partner organisations will be on hand before, during and after your visit to offer advice and support.

Due to Covid-19 some services we usually provide have been suspended but we are finding safe ways to keep the communication going between dads and their families. Please contact the Spurgeons team for more information.

Top Tips for Families

Information on supporting a child with a parent in prison

Top tips for families

Family Days

Read about our family day activities

What to expect from our Family Days

''The staff are extremely helpful and welcoming.''

''All the staff here are so lovely, friendly and welcoming, brilliant with children too.''

''The staff in the visit centre are very polite, caring, understanding and always there to help you.''

Spurgeons' Prison-based family support services on the Isle of Sheppey were highly commended in the Family Support category at the 2021 Children & Young People Now Awards.

Important Coronavirus (Covid-19) Update

The Gov.uk website has put together some frequently asked questions and responses relating to friends and family of prisoners during the coronavirus outbreak.

Visit Gov.uk

Purple Visits

Purple Visits are available at HMP Elmley and is a secure way to video call with those in custody.

Purple Visits at HMP Elmley

Contact details

Our Spurgeons colleagues would be happy to answer any questions you may have, you can get in touch with us through the following options:

Spurgeons Visitors Centre, HMP Elmley, Church Road, Eastchurch, Isle of Sheppey, Kent, ME12 4DZ

01795 802195

HMP Sheppey Cluster Family Support Service Facebook Page

Getting here

By bus: Chalkwell operate a coach service from Sittingbourne station, which runs once a day, Monday to Friday (bus 322). On Saturdays, buses run from Sheerness station (buses 364/367).

By train: The nearest station is Sheerness, approx. 8 miles from the prison. Buses and taxis are available from the station. You can also take a bus or taxi from Sittingbourne station.

By car: From the M2 or M20, follow the A249 towards Sittingbourne and Sheerness. At the end of the dual carriageway, head towards Minster and Eastchurch. Shortly after the Sheerness Rugby Club, take the 2nd exit at the roundabout and then 3rd exit at the next roundabout, onto Church Road. You will then see signs to the prison.

Parking

Free parking is available at the prison, including spaces for Blue Badge holders.

Disabled access

There is disabled access to the prison and parking for those with Blue Badges.

Visitors leaflet

Download a printable copy of our visitors information leaflet for Elmley Prison Family Services

Download our visitors leaflet

Safer Custody Team

If you are concerned about someone in HMP Elmley you can contact the Safer Custody Team on the number below.

01795 880921

Support for families

Spurgeons delivers a variety of activities and programmes to support both fathers in prison and their families.

Offering a Helping Hand

Read our guide to supporting those affected by IPP sentences

IPP support

Family days

Our family days are a way for children to connect with their parent in prison

About family days

Top Tips for Families

Read our guide to supporting a child with a parent in prison

Read our Top Tips

Further Information

Support services and useful links for families affected by imprisonment

Useful links

Volunteering

Volunteering at a Spurgeons Prison-Based Family Support service can be a great way to support prisoners and families affected by imprisonment as well as the local community.

See volunteering opportunities