Canteen is the term used in prison for the weekly order of items you buy for yourself. The choice is limited to basics like shampoo and deodorant, plus simple treats such as chocolate or biscuits. It’s also how money gets credited to your phone account.
Each week you’ll be given – usually posted under your cell door – a canteen sheet to fill in, showing your name, prison number and how much you’ve got available to spend. When you’re convicted, any cash you had on you is credited to a private account inside the prison, and a set amount is transferred into your “spends” account each week depending on your IEP status – typically somewhere around £10 a week at Entry level, rising for Standard and again for Enhanced. Exact figures vary between prisons and change from time to time, so check your own canteen sheet or ask on your wing rather than relying on a fixed number.
Once you’re settled in and working or in education, whatever you earn each week is also added to your spends balance – typically in the region of £10–£20 a week, again depending on the job and the prison.
Getting money sent in. The easiest way for family and friends to send you money now is through the official GOV.UK service, “Send money to someone in prison”, using your name, prison number and date of birth – they don’t need any private account details. It covers the great majority of prisons, young offender institutions and immigration removal centres in England and Wales, though it’s worth checking the service to confirm it covers wherever you’re held.
If a particular prison isn’t on the online scheme, the fallback is a cheque or postal order, made payable to HMPPS (His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service) with your name and prison number written on the back – check the specific prison page for the correct address to send it to. Sending cash isn’t accepted and is strongly discouraged. Whatever method is used, it can take a few days to clear into your account, so don’t expect it instantly.