eMates

Helping prisoners stay connected

Maintaining contact with family and friends is vital to support mental well-being and maintain relationships for prisoners. However, distance, costs, and travel restrictions often make visits difficult. eMates makes staying in touch easier, with secure, affordable communications services designed for custodial institutions. With over 600,000 registered users across the UK and Australia, including family, friends, legal representatives, and probation staff, eMates helps to establish and maintain those vital connections. 

Features Include:

Product Benefits

Don't just take our word for it

Read what our customers say about us.

"Thank you so much for operating your service and making it possible to write emails to him. It meant such a lot to us both."
"I really appreciate that!! I’m very grateful for your team and how much you all help. Thank you so much again!"
"I just wanted to check in with you and let you know how successful the email attachment service has been. I have noticed a great increase in the number of users and am thrilled with the service!"

Frequently Asked Questions

How does eMates help people stay in touch?

eMates allows its customers to send and receive messages, attach images to messages, and hold remote video visits.

How many establishments support eMates?

There are 150 establishments using eMates, including private and public prisons, young offenders’ institutions, and secure care facilities. There are 18 establishments in Scotland using video visits.

Who does it help?

Friends and family staying in touch with loved ones in prison, solicitors and charities that support prisoners while in custody, and the National Probation Service helping prisoners prepare for their release.

How does it work with Unilink Self-Service?

Messages and attachments sent through eMates can be viewed and replied to via kiosks or in-cell devices. Message screening management is provided by a dedicated portal.

How is security ensured?

eMates offers pre-screening of image attachments before they are sent, and allows for keywords to be set to flag any message content to establishment staff for review prior to release to the recipient.

What impact does it have?

Maintaining good contact with the outside world has been demonstrated to aid rehabilitation, lower rates of recidivism, and improve prisoner behaviour. For outside contacts, the services it offers can be a cheaper and more convenient alternative to letter writing and in-person visits.

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