Resources for families

Families affected by imprisonment can sometimes feel as if they are enduring a 'hidden sentence', having to deal with stigma, shame or isolation, as well as the pain of enforced separation from a loved-one.

The reality is that many families across the UK are affected by imprisonment and there is a wealth of support, information, advice and guidance available online. It can be reassuring to read this and realise that you and your family are facing challenges which are common to many.

Ormiston Families is not responsible for the content or currency of external websites. To suggest a link for this page, please email Mark Proctor.

Information sheets

• What shall I tell the children? - One of the hardest things to face when someone goes into prison is telling the children, but it is important that you talk to them about what is happening.
• Being a carer - When a parent goes to prison things can change for everyone in the family. This information sheet explains some of ways that things might be helped.
• Visiting prison - Enabling a child to visit their parent in prison is an important way of helping them to cope with being separated from them.
• Being a parent in prison - Being apart can be very hard for both parent and child. Both must come to terms with their loss whilst adapting to a new way of life.

Websites

• www.offendersfamilieshelpline.org
  Website and freephone hotline (0808 808 2003) providing advice and support on all aspects of arrest, going to court and prison
• www.prisonadvice.org.uk/pact-helpline
  Freephone hotline (0808 808 3444) run by PACT, providing practical and emotional support, information and advice to anyone who is affected by imprisonment
• https://prisonvoicemail.com
  A social venture with a mission to improve communication channels between people in prison and their family and friends
• www.samaritans.org
  Website and 24/7 helpline (116 123) for anyone feeling suicidal, or just wanting to talk to someone
• www.gov.uk/find-prison/
  Information on finding a prison
• www.gov.uk/prison-visits
  Online visits booking
• www.gov.uk/assisted-prison-visits
  Assisted Prison Visits Unit
• www.firsttimeinprison.co.uk
  Practical advice for those who may be facing their first prison sentence, without anyone to turn to
• www.gov.uk/life-in-prison
  An explanation of life in the UK prison system
• www.gov.uk/staying-in-touch-with-someone-in-prison
  Information on keeping in touch with someone in prison
• www.knowyourmoney.co.uk
  Bank accounts for people leaving prison

Videos

• Visiting Our Dad - a child's perspective on visiting a prison
• Breaking Barriers - an Ormiston Families' service for children affected by imprisonment
• Family member in prison - what to expect - a guide by Prison Voicemail
• Understanding the UK Prison System - a guide for families
• Little Children, Big Challenges - a Sesame Street film explaining parental imprisonment to young children

Audio

• Civvy Street - Guy Wiseman and Louise Duxbury, from Ormiston Families, are interviewed on National Prison Radio's Roll Call about Civvy Street, a project supporting veterans within the prison system.
  
  This weekly show is was made in partnership with the Network for Ex-Service Personnel, to encourage ex-service personnel in prison to declare and get support that is available to them. National Prison Radio is a 24/7 service available in prisons across England and Wales, run by the charity Prison Radio Association

Family support organisations

There are excellent organisations offering support to families across the UK. The following is just a selection of those offering support to families affected by imprisonment. There are many others, national, regional and local.

Organisations

• www.ormistonfamilies.org.uk
  Ormiston Families is the eastern region's leading children and families' charity. Our Unite Programme, supports children and their families affected by offending behaviour to stay together
• www.familylives.org.uk
  Family Lives is an umbrella organisation which includes Action for Prisoners' and Offenders' Families, supporting families of offenders across the UK
• www.familiesoutside.org.uk
  Families Outside operate in Scotland, providing information for families affected by imprisonment
• latcharity.org.uk
  Lincolnshire Action Trust supports prisoners and their families in Lincolnshire
• www.nepacs.co.uk
  NEPACS (originally the North East Prison After Care Society) supports prisoners and their families in the north east of England
• www.outtherecharity.org/
  Out There is a charity providing emotional and practical support and an information service for families of prisoners in Greater Manchester
• www.prisonadvice-org.uk
  PACT (Prison Advice & Care Trust) is a national charity providing support to prisoners, people with convictions and their families
• www.partnersofprisoners.co.uk
  POPS (Partners of Prisoners) is a charity for offenders' families, founded by offenders' families, and operating primarily in the north west of England
• www.prisonradioassociation.org
  Prison Radio Association provides National Prison Radio, a 24/7 service available in prisons across England and Wales
• www.prisonersadvice.org.uk
  The Prisoners' Advice Service provides legal advice to prisoners