How Can We Help?

Download the Purple Post app and provide your name, email and create a password. If you already have a Purple Visits account, you can use those same credentials to log in.

Purple Post is currently available at HMP Parc, HMP Five Wells, and HMP Rye Hill. If your loved one is at a different prison, you can register your interest to help us bring Purple Post there.

Once logged in, visit the "Buy Credits" section and choose a package. We accept all major debit and credit cards. Credits are added to your account instantly.

Purple Visits is for booking video visits, while Purple Post is for sending messages with photos. Both services are provided by the same company and use the same account login.

You can write up to 1,500 characters per message. That's roughly 250-300 words. Plenty of space to share your news!

You can send up to 3 photos with each message at no extra cost. Photos are included in the 50p message price.

We understand that sharing photos is a meaningful way to stay connected with your loved ones. You can send personal photos such as family pictures, pets, everyday moments, children's artwork and scenery.

However, all photos must be appropriate and suitable for viewing in a secure environment. Photos are subject to automated content checks and prison security screening before delivery.

We support JPG and PNG formats. Photos should be clear and appropriate. All content may be subject to prison security checks.

To keep Purple Post safe and compliant with UK law, including online safety regulations, the following content is strictly prohibited:

All content must comply with our Terms & Conditions and prison rules.

Purple Post uses automated systems to help detect prohibited content before messages are sent. If inappropriate content is detected, your message or photos will be blocked from sending, and you'll receive a notification.

Additionally, all messages entering secure establishments may be subject to security screening by prison staff, just like traditional postal mail.

We take content safety seriously to protect all users and comply with UK law. Repeated attempts to send prohibited content will result in account restrictions, which may include:

• Temporary suspension of image-sending features
• Restriction of account access
• Permanent account closure in serious cases

We understand mistakes can happen, but deliberate or repeated violations will be acted upon. For full details, please review Section 9 (Automated Image Controls) in our Terms & Conditions.

No, once a message is sent it cannot be edited or recalled. Please review your message and photos carefully before sending.

1 credit = 2 messages (1 sent from you + 1 reply back). Each message can include up to 1,500 characters and 3 photos.

No! Credits never expire. Buy them whenever you want and use them whenever you need them.

We accept all major debit and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express). All payments are secure and processed through industry-standard payment providers.

Please see our Terms & Conditions for our refund policy. If you have questions about your credits, contact our support team.

Currently, credits are tied to individual accounts. If you'd like to help someone else afford Purple Post, you can purchase credits on your account and allow them to use it, or contact us to discuss options.

Your message is sent instantly to the prison as soon as you hit send. However, the time it takes for your loved one to actually receive it can vary:

Digital prisons (HMP Parc, HMP Five Wells): Messages typically appear instantly on in-cell tablets, subject to prison rules and security checks.

Print-on-site prisons (HMP Rye Hill): Messages are printed and delivered with regular mail distribution.

You'll receive a read notification when your loved one has opened and read your message.

Digital delivery (HMP Parc, HMP Five Wells): Messages are delivered to in-cell tablets where prisoners can read them directly on screen.

Print-on-site (HMP Rye Hill): Messages are printed on special "magic sheets" and delivered with regular mail. Replies are scanned by staff and sent back digitally.

You'll receive a notification when your message has been successfully delivered to the prison. Note that this means it's at the prison, not necessarily that the recipient has read it yet.

Your loved one can reply to your message directly through Purple Post. You'll be notified when their reply arrives. Replies are included in the cost of your original message.

Yes! You'll receive an email notification when a reply arrives. You can then log in to Purple Post to read the message.

Check that your photo is in JPG or PNG format and isn't too large (max 5MB per photo). Try compressing the image or using a different photo. If the problem persists, contact support.

Check your spam/junk folder for emails from noreply@purple-post.com. Add this address to your contacts to ensure future emails arrive in your inbox. You can also check your notification settings in your account.

Check that your card details are correct and that you have sufficient funds. Some banks block online payments by default. You may need to contact your bank to authorise the transaction. If issues persist, try a different card or contact support.

Click "Forgot Password" on the login page and follow the instructions. You'll receive an email with a link to reset your password. If you don't receive the email, check your spam folder.

Log in to your account and go to "Account Settings" where you can update your name, email address and password.

Yes! You can add multiple recipients to your account and send messages to different people at different prisons (as long as they're at supported establishments).

If they're transferred to another Purple Post supported prison, you can update their details in your account. If they're transferred to an unsupported prison, you can continue to use your credits once we expand there.

If you wish to delete your account you can do this via the "My Account" section of the app, please contact support if you need any help at all. Note that any unused credits will be forfeited upon account deletion.

Purple Post organisation accounts are available to solicitors, companies, charities, and probation services. Each organisation type is verified through the relevant registry (SRA, Companies House, Charity Commission) or manually for probation services. Register your organisation.

Visit the organisation registration page to submit an application. You'll need your reference number (SRA, Companies House, or Charity Commission number), contact details for the responsible party, and to select which prison(s) you wish to communicate with. Applications are reviewed within 3–5 working days.

The named responsible party (account administrator) registered on the organisation account is responsible for all messages sent through it — including those sent by other staff members. Multiple staff members may use the account to send messages, but the named responsible party remains accountable for ensuring all communications comply with Purple Post's Terms & Conditions, content policies, and prison regulations.

The organisation must notify Purple Post as soon as possible. The account will be temporarily paused until a new responsible party has been confirmed. Contact the support team to arrange the transfer of responsibility. The account should not be used to send messages until a new responsible party is in place.

Yes. All messages sent through organisation accounts are subject to the same content policies, automated content checks, and prison security screening as personal accounts. This includes the same prohibited content rules and the same consequences for violations. See our Terms & Conditions for full details.

No. Purple Post is not suitable for legally privileged correspondence and must not be used for Rule 39 communications. All Purple Post messages may be monitored and viewed by authorised prison staff for safeguarding, security, or operational purposes, which means the platform cannot provide the confidentiality required for privileged legal communications. Solicitors and legal professionals who need to send privileged correspondence should use established postal channels for Rule 39 mail. See our Terms & Conditions for further information.