HMYOI Cookham Wood is a young offender institution in Rochester, Kent, holding boys aged 15–18. It provides education and intervention programmes.
About HMYOI Cookham Wood
HMYOI Cookham Wood is a YOI young offender establishment situated in Rochester, Kent, within the South East region. Operated by HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS), the prison has an operational capacity of approximately 196 and has been in operation since 1978.
Young Offender Institutions hold individuals aged 15 to 21. They focus heavily on education and intervention programmes, with the aim of reducing reoffending. The regime tends to be more structured than adult prisons with mandatory education hours.
How to Visit HMYOI Cookham Wood
If you want to visit someone at HMYOI Cookham Wood, you'll first need to be placed on the prisoner's approved visitor list. The prisoner themselves will need to submit your details — including your full name, date of birth, and address — for a basic security check. This process can take a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the prison.
Once you've been approved, you can book visits in one of two ways:
- Online: Use the GOV.UK prison visit booking service — it's free and available 24/7
- By phone: Call HMYOI Cookham Wood directly on 01634 202500 during working hours
On the day of your visit, make sure you arrive at least 30 minutes before your allocated time. You'll need to bring valid photo ID (passport, driving licence, or national identity card). There are restrictions on what you can bring into the prison — generally no phones, cameras, or electronic devices are allowed. Most prisons allow a small amount of cash for the vending machines in the visits hall.
Contacting HMYOI Cookham Wood
You can reach HMYOI Cookham Wood by phone on 01634 202500. Phone lines are typically open Monday to Friday during standard office hours. For written correspondence, the postal address is:
If you need to send money to someone at HMYOI Cookham Wood, the easiest method is through the GOV.UK Send Money to a Prisoner service. It's free and takes just a few minutes online.
Sending Items to Prisoners at Cookham Wood
Rules on sending items vary by prison, but generally you cannot send parcels directly to prisoners. Most prisons use an approved catalogue system where prisoners can order items using money in their prison account. Some establishments allow books to be sent via approved retailers such as Amazon or Blackwell's — but always check with the prison first by calling 01634 202500.
Phone Calls at HMYOI Cookham Wood
Prisoners at HMYOI Cookham Wood can make outgoing calls using the prison phone system (typically BT or a dedicated provider). They'll need credit on their phone account, which can be topped up by family and friends. Calls to UK landlines generally cost around 1p per minute, while mobile calls are more expensive. For more detail on costs, see our guide on how much prison phone calls cost.
Prisoners cannot receive incoming calls. All outgoing calls (except those to legal representatives) are recorded and may be monitored.
Frequently Asked Questions About HMYOI Cookham Wood
What category is HMYOI Cookham Wood?
HMYOI Cookham Wood is classified as a YOI prison. Young Offender Institutions hold individuals aged 15 to 21. They focus heavily on education and intervention programmes, with the aim of reducing reoffending.
What is the capacity of HMYOI Cookham Wood?
The prison has an operational capacity of approximately 196 prisoners. This number represents the certified normal accommodation plus any additional temporary beds. Actual population levels can fluctuate and sometimes exceed capacity.
How do I contact HMYOI Cookham Wood?
You can call HMYOI Cookham Wood on 01634 202500 during weekday working hours. For written correspondence, address letters to the prisoner's full name and prison number at Sir Evelyn Road, Rochester, Rochester, ME1 3LU.
How do I book a visit to HMYOI Cookham Wood?
First, you need to be on the prisoner's approved visitor list. Once approved, book online at gov.uk/prison-visits or call 01634 202500. For more detailed information, see our guide on how to book a prison visit.
Who runs HMYOI Cookham Wood?
HMYOI Cookham Wood is operated by HMPPS. HM Prison and Probation Service is an executive agency of the Ministry of Justice, responsible for running most prisons in England and Wales.