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Check out our list of resources and help and support available for families of prisoners
Start saving today!Having a loved one in prison can be an overwhelming experience for families across the UK. The impact stretches far beyond the individual serving time, affecting partners, children, parents, and extended family members in profound ways. Many families find themselves navigating unfamiliar systems, facing financial hardships, and managing emotional trauma without knowing where to turn for help.
Fortunately, the UK offers numerous support services, organisations, and resources specifically designed to assist families through this challenging time. From practical advice on prison visits to emotional support and financial assistance, these resources can make a significant difference in how families cope with incarceration.
This comprehensive guide aims to connect families with the help they need, highlighting the most valuable UK-based resources available and explaining how they can support you through every stage of your journey.
When someone goes to prison, their family often serves what many call a "hidden sentence." Research consistently shows that families of prisoners face unique challenges including:
- Financial strain due to loss of income and additional expensesHousing instability or relocation needs
- Emotional trauma and mental health challenges
- Social stigma and isolation from community
- Disruption to children's development and education
- Difficulties maintaining family relationships
- Navigating complex legal and prison systems
These challenges can be particularly acute for children, who may experience confusion, anger, anxiety, and shame. According to statistics from the Prison Reform Trust, approximately 200,000 children in the UK have a parent in prison at any given time, making this a significant social issue.
Understanding these impacts is the first step toward accessing appropriate support. Most importantly, remember that you are not alone, and help is available through various channels.
Prison Advice and Care Trust (PACT)
PACT is one of the UK's leading charities providing support to prisoners, people with convictions, and their families. They offer:
- A national helpline providing information and emotional support
- Family engagement workers in many prisons
- Prison visitor centres with practical assistance
- First Night in Custody support for families
- Resources for children with parents in prisonRelationship counselling and family support services
Contact Information:
Helpline: 0808 808 3444 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm)
Website: www.prisonadvice.org.uk
Email: info@prisonadvice.org.uk
PACT's services are free and confidential, making them an excellent first point of contact for many families.
Prisoners' Families Helpline
This dedicated helpline offers information, advice, and emotional support to anyone affected by imprisonment. Their trained staff can help with:
- Understanding prison procedures and rules
- Arranging visits
- Maintaining contact with someone in prison
- Financial concerns and benefit entitlements
- Housing issuesSupporting children affected by imprisonment
Contact Information:
Helpline: 0808 808 2003 (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm and weekends 10am-3pm)
Website: www.prisonersfamilies.org
Email: info@prisonersfamilies.org
Their website also contains extensive information resources and factsheets on various topics related to supporting someone in prison.
Families Outside (Scotland)
For families in Scotland, Families Outside provides dedicated support services including:
- A helpline for information and support
- Regional family support coordinators
- Training for professionals working with families
- Advocacy services
- Resources specifically tailored to Scottish prison systems
Contact Information:
Helpline: 0800 254 0088 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm)
Website: www.familiesoutside.org.uk
Email: support@familiesoutside.org.uk
NIACRO (Northern Ireland)
In Northern Ireland, NIACRO offers specialised family support services through:
- Family Links programme providing support and information
- Transport services to prison visits
- Children and family-focused interventions
- Benefits advice and practical assistance
Contact Information:
Phone: 028 9032 0157
Website: www.niacro.co.uk
Email: niacro@niacro.co.uk
Children Heard and Seen
This specialist charity focuses on supporting children with a parent in prison, offering:
- One-to-one mentoring for children
- Group activities and workshops
- Family support services
- Advocacy and guidance
- Resources designed specifically for children's needs
Contact Information:
Phone: 07557 339258
Website: www.childrenheardandseen.co.uk
Email: info@childrenheardandseen.co.uk
Children Heard and Seen
This specialist charity focuses on supporting children with a parent in prison, offering:
- One-to-one mentoring for children
- Group activities and workshops
- Family support services
- Advocacy and guidance
- Resources designed specifically for children's needs
Contact Information:
Phone: 07557 339258
Website: www.childrenheardandseen.co.uk
Email: info@childrenheardandseen.co.uk
Barnardo's Children of Prisoners Support Service
Barnardo's runs several programmes specifically focused on children affected by parental imprisonment:
- Emotional support through dedicated children's workers
- Help explaining imprisonment to children in age-appropriate ways
- Assistance maintaining parent-child relationships
- Support with school-related issues
- Special activities and groups for children
Contact Information:
Website: www.barnardos.org.uk
Various regional contact numbers available on their website
Assisted Prison Visits Scheme
Families on low incomes may be eligible for financial help with the cost of prison visits through the Assisted Prison Visits Scheme (APVS). This government scheme can help with:
- Travel costs to prison
- Meals during visit days
- Accommodation if overnight stays are necessary
- Child minding costs in certain circumstances
Contact Information:
Phone: 0300 063 2100 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm)
Website: www.gov.uk/assisted-prison-visits
Turn2us
Turn2us helps people in financial hardship access welfare benefits, charitable grants, and other financial help:
- Benefits calculator to determine eligibility
- Grants search tool to find charitable funding
- Information on managing debt and financial difficulties
- Advice guides on various financial matters
Contact Information:
Helpline: 0808 802 2000
Website: www.turn2us.org.uk
Email: info@turn2us.org.uk
Citizens Advice
With offices throughout the UK, Citizens Advice provides free, confidential advice on:
- Benefits entitlements
- Debt management
- Housing issues
- Employment rights
- Legal concerns
Contact Information:
Adviceline (England): 0800 144 8848
Adviceline (Wales): 0800 702 2020
Website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Shelter
Shelter provides specialist housing advice that can be crucial for families facing housing insecurity due to imprisonment:
- Emergency housing advice
- Support with housing benefit claims
- Assistance with tenancy issues
- Advocacy with local authorities
- Referrals to specialist services
Contact Information:
Helpline: 0808 800 4444 (8am-8pm weekdays, 9am-5pm weekends)
Website: www.shelter.org.uk
In-person services at regional centres
Housing Associations
Many local housing associations offer support services for vulnerable families, including those affected by imprisonment. Services may include:
- Housing advice and applications
- Tenancy support
- Financial inclusion services
- Community support programmes
Contact your local housing association or local authority housing department for specific services in your area.
Mind
Mind provides advice and support for anyone experiencing mental health problems, including those related to having a family member in prison:
- Information resources on coping with stress and anxiety
- Local Mind services throughout the UK
- Online peer support community
- Legal advice on mental health-related issues
Contact Information:
Info-line: 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm)
Website: www.mind.org.uk
Email: info@mind.org.uk
Samaritans
For immediate emotional support at any time of day or night:
- 24/7 helpline for anyone in emotional distress
- Non-judgmental listening service
- Completely confidential support
- Email and in-person support also available
Contact Information:
Helpline: 116 123 (free, 24 hours)
Website: www.samaritans.org
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Cruse Bereavement Care
While not specifically for prison-related issues, Cruse can help families dealing with the grief-like emotions that often accompany having someone in prison:
- One-to-one support sessionsLocal support groups
- Telephone helpline
- Resources on managing grief and loss
Contact Information:
Helpline: 0808 808 1677
Website: www.cruse.org.uk
Email: helpline@cruse.org.uk
Partners of Prisoners (POPS)
POPS specialises in supporting the partners and families of offenders, offering:
- Information and advice services
- Emotional support through trained staff
- Family support workers
- Prison visitor centres in North West England
- Peer support groups
Contact Information:
Phone: 0161 702 1000
Website: www.partnersofprisoners.co.uk
Email: mail@partnersofprisoners.co.uk
Relate
For relationship support and counselling:
- Couple counselling for those maintaining relationships during imprisonment
- Family counselling services
- Online, telephone, and face-to-face support options
- Resources on maintaining healthy relationships despite separation
Contact Information:
Phone: 0300 003 0396
Website: www.relate.org.uk
Prison Reform Trust
The Prison Reform Trust provides comprehensive information resources including:
- "Information for Prisoners' Families" booklet
- Factsheets on prison procedures
- Research reports on prison conditions
- Policy information and advocacy resources
Contact Information:
Phone: 020 7251 5070
Website: www.prisonreformtrust.org.uk
Email: info@prisonreformtrust.org.uk
Howard League for Penal Reform
The Howard League offers various resources including:
- Legal advice service for prisoners and their families
- Policy briefings and research reports
- Campaigns for prison reformInformation on prisoners' rights
Contact Information:
Phone: 020 7249 7373
Website: www.howardleague.org
Email: info@howardleague.org
GOV.UK Prison Information
The official government website provides essential information on:
- Prison procedures and regulations
- Visiting arrangements
- Sending money and items to prisoners
- Prisoner rights and privileges
- Release and probation information
Community-Based Support Groups
Many areas have local support groups specifically for families affected by imprisonment. These groups offer:
- Face-to-face peer support
- Local knowledge and connections
- Practical help specific to regional prison facilities
- Community activities and events
Contact your nearest prison visitor centre or the Prisoners' Families Helpline to find local groups in your area.
Prison Visitor Centres
Most UK prisons have visitor centres run by charities that provide:
- Comfortable waiting areas
- Information about prison procedures
- Refreshments during visit days
- Children's play areas
- Support staff to answer questions
- Assistance with visit booking
Contact your specific prison directly for details about their visitor centre services.
Prison Chat UK
An online forum where families can connect with others in similar situations:
- Discussion boards on various prison-related topics
- Peer support from those with lived experience
- Information sharing on prison conditions and procedures
- Emotional support network
Contact Information:
Website: www.prisonchatuk.com
Prison Advice and Care Trust Online Resources
PACT's website offers numerous digital resources including:
- Downloadable information booklets
- Videos explaining prison procedures
- Interactive tools for supporting children
- Online chat support service
Contact Information:
Website: www.prisonadvice.org.uk/resources
Action for Prisoners' and Offenders' Families
This organisation offers resources specifically for schools supporting children with a parent in prison:
- Teacher information packs
- School staff training materials
- Classroom resources
- Policy guidance for educational settings
Contact Information:
Website: www.familylives.org.uk/about/our-services/action-for-prisoners-and-offenders-families
Email: info@familylives.org.uk
Education Support Services
Many local authorities have education support services that can help children affected by imprisonment:
- Educational psychologists
- School counselling services
- Education welfare officers
- Additional learning support
Contact your child's school or local education authority for information about available services.
Legal Aid
Families may be eligible for legal aid in certain circumstances related to prison matters:
- Appeals against sentencing
- Issues related to prison conditions
- Parole hearings
- Family court matters
Contact Information:
Website: www.gov.uk/legal-aid
Law Centres Network
Law Centres provide free legal advice and representation in various areas of law:
- Family law matters
- Housing issues
- Benefits problems
- Immigration concerns
- Discrimination cases
Contact Information:
Website: www.lawcentres.org.uk
Phone: 020 3637 1330
Nacro
Nacro provides resettlement services for prisoners and their families:
- Housing advice and support
- Education and training programmes
- Employment support
- Family reintegration services
- Substance misuse support
Contact Information:
-Phone: 0300 123 1889
Website: www.nacro.org.uk
Email: helpline@nacro.org.uk
Unlock
This charity for people with convictions offers information on:
- Disclosure of criminal records
- Employment rights
- Insurance and financial services
- Travel restrictions
- Other practical resettlement issues
Contact Information:
Phone: 01634 247350
Website: www.unlock.org.uk
Email: advice@unlock.org.uk
Women in Prison
For families of women in prison, this specialist organisation offers:
- Family support services
- Community-based women's centres
- Through-the-gate support
- Resources specific to maternal imprisonment
Contact Information:
Phone: 020 7359 6674
Website: www.womeninprison.org.uk
Email: info@womeninprison.org.uk
Foreign National Prisoners
Families of foreign national prisoners can access specialised advice from:
Hibiscus Initiatives: www.hibiscusinitiatives.org.uk
Prisoners Abroad: www.prisonersabroad.org.uk
The impact of imprisonment on families is profound, but with the right support, many families find ways to cope, adapt, and even strengthen their bonds despite the challenges. The resources outlined in this guide represent just a fraction of the support available across the UK.
Remember that reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether you need practical advice, emotional support, financial assistance, or simply someone who understands what you're going through, there are dedicated professionals and volunteers ready to support you.
Every family's journey through the prison system is different, but no family should have to face it alone. Take the first step today by contacting one of the organisations listed in this guide, and begin building the support network that will help carry you through this difficult time.
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