What can I send to Risley?
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
IMB: 29 applications about property in the prison (2024–25)
Source: IMB annual report, HMP Risley, 2024–25 · Last checked: April 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
At a glance
- Clothing parcels: First 28 days only · 1 family · last 19 Sept
“Clothing parcels can only be sent in within 28 days of sentencing. They need to be approved first (only a few specific items will be allowed). The prisoners needs to fill out an application for this before you send the parcel.”
Clothing parcels: First 28 days onlyParcels · 1mo 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: IMB: 29 applications about property in the prison (2024–25). IMB: 29 applications about property in the prison, 2024–25. What people inside asked the board.