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Families affected by imprisonment

Having someone close to you sent to prison can be a difficult time for you and your family. We understand that every family is different and can be affected in different ways.

You may feel that you don’t need support at this time. These services can offer support at any point during the period of imprisonment and upon release.

If you are unsure, just call, support is available.

Information, advice and support for you


A change in circumstance can be really hard. The services below are there to provide you with information, advice and support.

The Prisoners’ Families Helpline
Information, advice and support on all aspects of the justice system. 

    • 0808 808 2003
      9am – 8pm Monday to Friday
      10am – 3pm Saturday and Sunday
      Closed on bank holidays
    • info@prisonersfamilies.org
      You can email the helpline. They will get back to you within 3 working days.
    • prisonersfamilies.org
      Information on everything from arrest to release from prison.

The Straight Path Resettlement Project, Leicester
Advice, guidance and support (practical and emotional, faith and
spiritual) and community chaplaincy specialising in supporting Muslim
BAME families/ communities. Multi-lingual (Urdu, Gujarati, Punjabi).

The Ebb Leicester
Offering Adult Peer Support Groups for anyone aged 18+ with a
someone in the criminal justice system and Tara's Club- a creative arts
programme for children with a family member in prison.

Information, advice and support for your children

Helping your children to adjust to their new situation can be difficult. We’d recommend talking to school/preschool so they are aware of the change to your families’ circumstances so that they can support your child(ren) as well.

Spurgeons – How to tell children
Top tips for families with a loved one in prison including advice on how, what and when to tell children.

PACT
Videos and information for children and young people to explain the situation and help them understand they are not alone.

Prison visiting

Processes for visiting are different for each prison. The information below will help you find out everything you need to know about visiting prison, including child friendly guides to help children prepare.

PACT Prison Visiting Guide
Information on visiting arrangements for each prison in England and Wales. 

My Visit
Families Outside provides information, resources and videos that can help children feel better about visiting. The photo guide explains what visiting is like and where their loved one is.

Watch the Families Outside "my visit" video or for more information go to: Families Outside

 

Help with the cost of prison visits

You may be able to get help to cover the costs of visiting prison if you are in receipt of certain benefits or have a health certificate.

POPS

Practical and emotional support for visitors to HMP Fosse Way. POPS is a charity, established by prisoners' families, which also provides support for visitors to other prisons.

Money

It can be tough if your money situation has changed. The information below will help you find out about support you may be able to access to help you get to grips with your finances.

Turn2Us
Information and guidance on all financial issues, including eligibility and changes to benefits as a result of a partner being sentenced to custody.

Money advice and debt support
Your local council website will provide a summary of local money advice and support services.

If you live in Leicester visit our money, work and housing page

If you live in Leicestershire or Rutland visit:

Supporting Families Employment Advisors
Information on benefits, support available through the Job Centre Plus and help with finding work (if that’s what you want).

If you live in Leicester email supporting.families@dwp.gov.uk

Local support for families

Leicester City Council offers services to support families and can provide you with information, advice and support on a range of issues from childcare, education, parenting and health.

If you live in Leicestershire:

If you live in Rutland:

Related links