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, health, or time constraints often make in-person 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.

eMates Dashboard

 

The eMates dashboard provides users with a clear starting point to manage messages, contacts and account settings.

  • Access key actions quickly, including writing a new message, managing recipients, adding credit and updating settings.
  • Navigate easily using a simple side menu that shows inbox, drafts, sent messages, subscriptions and video sessions.
  • Maintain control of communication and account activity through a clean, easy-to-use interface.
Dashboard

Inbox

The Inbox allows users to view, read and manage incoming messages from friends and family in one place.

  • See messages listed clearly with recipient details, delivery time and message previews.
  • Open messages to read full content or hide them once reviewed.
  • Navigate through multiple pages of messages using simple pagination controls.
Inbox

Write New Message

 

The Write New Message screen enables users to compose and send messages securely and confidently.

  • Select a recipient from an approved contact list, with prisoner details automatically applied.
  • Compose messages in a guided text area, without needing to manually add personal or prison information.
  • Add or edit recipients directly from the messaging screen for a smooth, uninterrupted experience.
Sent_Items

Sent Items

 

The Sent Items view gives users visibility of messages that have been successfully delivered to prison.

  • Review sent messages with clear delivery status, timestamps and message previews.
  • Open individual messages to view full content after delivery.
  • Keep track of communication history in a structured, easy-to-scan table format.
eMates_Sent_Items

Features Include:

Electronic messaging

Unilink’s secure e-message service offers a fast, affordable alternative to traditional post. Families, friends, and support professionals can exchange messages quickly, reliably, and safely, with automatic monitoring to detect banned content and prevent the risks associated with paper correspondence. This not only protects security but also reduces delays, helping to maintain strong bonds despite physical separation.
Electronic messaging

Secure payments

Financial support is made simpler through secure online payments, allowing loved ones to send funds online directly to a prison account. With full traceability and reduced reliance on cash or postal orders, the process reduces fraud and minimises administration, while providing a more efficient and reliable financial service.
Secure payments

Video Sessions

When visits in person aren’t possible, Video Sessions provide an accessible and secure way to see and speak with loved ones, bridging the gap caused by distance, health, or time constraints. This service helps to maintain meaningful contact and provides emotional well-being support, and has proved invaluable during periods such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Video Sessions

Telephony

Unilink’s VOIP telephony enables affordable calls to approved contacts, supported by advanced monitoring and security features, ensuring safe and meaningful conversations.
Telephony

Product Benefits

Easy and affordable

Cost-effective for families, free for institutions.
Easy and affordable

Reduces administration burden

Minimises reliance on paper correspondence.
Reduces administration burden

Enhances well-being

Supports rehabilitation, mental health, and stronger personal relationships.
Enhances well-being

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."
Tom, Newcastle
"I really appreciate that!! I’m very grateful for your team and how much you all help. Thank you so much again!"
Jessica, Manchester
"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!"
Emma, Birmingham

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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Get in touch to discuss how eMates can help your digital transformation