What can I send to Onley?
Clothes, books, and what you can and cannot send in.
One family reported Same day. A few more and this prison gets its own figure.
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Send on WhatsAppWhat the prison says
Official facts for this prison
You can send in clothing parcels if the prisoner has reached and been on ‘enhanced’ status for six months.
Source: GOV.UK · Last checked: 2026-09-09
IMB: 40 applications about property on transfer (2025–26)
Source: IMB annual report, HMP Onley, 2025–26 · Last checked: July 2026
Gifts, clothes and books
- Most everyday items have to be bought by the prisoner from approved catalogues — not posted in.
- Books can be posted, handed in on a visit, or ordered from approved retailers.
- On remand, they can wear their own clothes and have enough clean clothes sent in. Sentenced, one parcel of clothes after conviction, if the governor allows it.
- No black (leggings aside), no hoods, nothing padded or quilted. Everything they own must fit in two property boxes.
- Everything is opened and checked. Unapproved items are returned or stored.
What families reported
“They have to put in a clothing application once approved a sticker is sent out, sentenced prisoners have to have it completed within 28 days of sentencing. No instructions as to what courier Royal Mail tracked is probably best. Called the prison they refuse to tell you anything whatsoever in regards to sending a clothing parcel in. Application only states no dark coloured bottoms nothing about tops etc.”
Parcels · 2w ago
What to do next
What this actually means
A parcel is not a care package. Most prisons run on catalogues. Sending the wrong thing creates work for staff and a delay for them.
Books are the exception. Use an approved retailer or send a book directly, with their name and number on the parcel.
On remand, they can have clean clothes sent in. Sentenced, it is usually one parcel of clothes after conviction. How it gets there, post or a visit, is up to each prison. Ask before you post.
What you can send inQuestions families ask
- Default: do not post a parcel. They order from a catalogue with the money you send. Books are the usual exception. Official: You can send in clothing parcels if the prisoner has reached and been on ‘enhanced’ status for six months.. IMB: 40 applications about property on transfer, 2025–26. What people inside asked the board.