HMP/YOC Hydebank Wood serves as both Northern Ireland's young offender centre for males aged 18–21 and the country's only women's prison, Ash House.
About HMP/YOC Hydebank Wood
HMP/YOC Hydebank Wood is a YOI/Female male yoi/female establishment situated in Belfast, County Antrim, within the Northern Ireland region. Operated by NIPS, the prison has an operational capacity of approximately 356 and has been in operation since 1979.
Women's prisons in England and Wales hold female offenders across different security levels. They often provide specialised support including mother and baby units, gender-specific healthcare, and tailored rehabilitation programmes.
How to Visit HMP/YOC Hydebank Wood
If you want to visit someone at HMP/YOC Hydebank 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 HMP/YOC Hydebank Wood directly on 028 9025 3666 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 HMP/YOC Hydebank Wood
You can reach HMP/YOC Hydebank Wood by phone on 028 9025 3666. 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 HMP/YOC Hydebank 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 Hydebank 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 028 9025 3666.
Phone Calls at HMP/YOC Hydebank Wood
Prisoners at HMP/YOC Hydebank 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 HMP/YOC Hydebank Wood
What category is HMP/YOC Hydebank Wood?
HMP/YOC Hydebank Wood is classified as a YOI/Female prison. Women's prisons in England and Wales hold female offenders across different security levels. They often provide specialised support including mother and baby units, gender-specific healthcare, and tailored rehabilitation programmes.
What is the capacity of HMP/YOC Hydebank Wood?
The prison has an operational capacity of approximately 356 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 HMP/YOC Hydebank Wood?
You can call HMP/YOC Hydebank Wood on 028 9025 3666 during weekday working hours. For written correspondence, address letters to the prisoner's full name and prison number at Hospital Road, Belfast, Belfast, BT8 8NA.
How do I book a visit to HMP/YOC Hydebank Wood?
First, you need to be on the prisoner's approved visitor list. Once approved, book online at gov.uk/prison-visits or call 028 9025 3666. For more detailed information, see our guide on how to book a prison visit.
Who runs HMP/YOC Hydebank Wood?
HMP/YOC Hydebank Wood is operated by NIPS. NIPS is a private company contracted by the Ministry of Justice to manage certain prisons and provide custodial services.