There's nothing worse than those you know turning on the evening news and finding out their loved one has been convicted and sentenced of a crime. Your case may not make the news, but think of the worry you will cause if one night you do not return home.

However hard it may feel explaining your situation to those you love, it's crucial someone knows. You are not the only person being served a sentence - imprisonment can have a significant impact on the lives of your family too, especially children. Whilst you may be struggling to adjust, so your family will be struggling emotionally with the fact you are no longer around.

Getting your finances in order

Any financial commitments will have to be managed. Who do you trust with this? Once in prison you're not getting access to your bank or online facilities, so who can deal with your insurance policies, loan agreements, rent, car, gym, even mortgage payments? 

There are ways to deal with these once in prison but getting ahead will offer options to negotiate reduced payments or cancel completely. It will certainly help prevent you or your family entering into debt. 

Helping your family to prepare for coping with your imprisonment

As mentioned, you're not going to be the only one struggling to accept what's happening. This can be one of the biggest challenges you will face and can create tension and arguments between you and loved ones whilst you are in prison, leaving you feeling frustrated, worried and incapable.

Are you the sole breadwinner? How will your family adjust financially? Will they have to apply for Universal Credit, benefits or find work? Try to resolve these matters as soon as you can and talk through things that will need to be dealt with. 

Reach out to other family members and friends who can provide support to those closest to you. The less impact your imprisonment has on them, the easier your sentence will be.

Telling your employer or employees

Informing your employer and being honest about the fact you may be going to prison, is something you may have to do. It can go two ways:

• you can be told that support will be given and your job will be kept open for your return,or 

• you could lose your job as a result of your honesty (but you would lose it anyway when you are sent to prison).

The key word is honesty, especially with employers; seek their support. 

If you are an employer, consider who can take the reins whilst you are away. If this is not possible for whatever reason, try to give advance notice of your situation so your employees can prepare for the inevitable – remember, they may have families too who rely on their wages; arriving at work to find they no longer have a job will leave them disgruntled to say the least.

Take a holdall to court 

You should pack a holdall with clothing and essential items. Note that in terms of clothing, nothing can be black and no hoods are allowed. Suggested items are given in the table below.

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The above is not an exact list, and some items will be placed in storage until you are allowed to have them further into your sentence. It's so much easier to have them stored than to request for them to be sent in, and if you’re transferred these may be instantly allowed in your new prison.

We suggest that you look at the local Category B prison near you to see what they allow for new receptions and get an idea of what you will be allowed to take. 

Make arrangements for pets

If you have pets is there anybody that can look after them while you're away, or do they need to be taken to a shelter?

Scheduled medical appointments 

If you are scheduled for surgery then this may go ahead once in prison. Alternatively, the prison may reschedule for concern that you could have an escape plan. 

If you are in need of dental work the best advice is to quickly have it done, as the prison's longest waiting list is for the dentist. If you develop dental problems in prison you can expect a long wait and little care for your pain threshold.