Page
Contents……………………………………………………………….. 1
Introduction …………………………………………………………… 2
Travelling and parking ……………………………………… 3
Visiting a prison for the first time …………………………………… 4
Help with travel expenses - Assisted Prison Visits Scheme ……. 4
How often am I allowed to visit? …………………………………… 4
Who can visit? ……………………………………………………….. 5
Child contact arrangements …………………………………………. 5- 6
What is a Visiting Order (VO)? …………………………………….. 6
How do I book a visit? ………………………………………………. 7
Visitors’ Centre………………………………………………………… 8
What is available for visitors with disabilities? …………………… 8
When can I visit? ……………………………………………………. 9
What happens when I visit? ……………………………………….. 9- 10
Approved Identification………………………………………………. 10
What can I take into the prison…..…………………………………. 10
Restrictions on clothing during visits……..………………………… 11
Offender Management Act………………………………………… 11
Searching……………………………………………………………. 12
Drug Supply Reduction…………………………………………… 12- 13
Conduct and behaviour ……………………………………………. 13
What happens during a visit? ……………………………………… 13- 14
What is available for children? ……………………………………… 14
What to do if you are worried about a relative or friend in prison.. 14
How can I make a complaint? ……………………………………… 15
Where can I get help from outside of the prison? (Useful organisations) ……………………………………………….. 15- 19
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Introduction
Welcome to HMP ACKLINGTON
This document tries to answer some of the questions you may want to ask about visiting HMP Acklington. We hope you will find this helpful.
It is important for prisoners to keep in touch with their families and friends. This can help prisoners cope better with being in prison, and make it easier for them to settle back into normal life after they are released. Visiting a prisoner is not always easy. We want to make your visit here as pleasant and helpful as possible.
If you would like information that is not included in this leaflet, please contact us on 01670 762551, or contact the Visitors’ Centre on 01670 382066. We welcome your suggestions for improving visits where possible in this establishment. The procedure for making suggestions and complaints is explained at the end of this leaflet.
The main contact points in the prison for help and information are:
• Prison main switchboard 01670 762300 • Visitors Centre (Main contact for families) 01670 382066 • Prison Visits Booking Line 01670 762551
Prison’s postal address
HMP Acklington Acklington Morpeth Northumberland NE65 9XF
Visitors’ Centre address As above
Mr N. Evans Governor
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Travelling and parking
Trains The nearest train stations are either Alnmouth or Morpeth.
Buses There is an hourly Arriva bus service to and from the prison. The 518 bus (from Newcastle Haymarket to Alnwick), will bring you direct to the prison. This also calls at Morpeth. The 518 service also runs from Alnwick travelling south, calling at Alnmouth Station (the entrance to the station car park – 2 minutes walk), Warkworth and Amble en-route to the prison.
Taxis Taxis can be hired from local suppliers, distance and prices vary.
Car If travelling from the south on the A1: 1. Follow the signs for North and Morpeth. Remain on the A1 past Morpeth. 2. Approximately 6 miles north of Morpeth, after passing the sign for Causey Park Bridge and the Oak Inn on the left, take the first turning right, signposted Acklington/Widdrington/Amble/Chevington Moor. 3. After approximately 2 miles, turn left at crossroads and after 200 yards take first right turn for Acklington. 4. Continue over the level crossing and follow signs for Acklington Prison for approximately 2 miles. 5. Take a left turning signposted HM Prison and follow the road straight down, take a left bend. HMP Acklington is the large red brick building on the right hand side of the road, with a flagpole located on a grass roundabout.
If travelling from the north on the A1 1. Follow the signs for South, Alnwick and Morpeth 2. After Alnwick but before reaching Morpeth, turn left at the signpost for Acklington/Widdrington/Amble/Chevington Moor. 3. Follow the directions above from step 3.
Parking Parking is available in the large car park on the right hand side of the approach road to the prison. Visitors are not allowed to park in the area in front of the prison.
LDK Security LTD operates patrols outside the prison and any vehicles parked illegally will result in them issuing a parking ticket with a fine.
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Visiting a prison for the first time
If you are visiting a prison for the first time, and are unsure about what to expect, you may want to visit the Prison Service web site (www.hmprisonservice.gov.uk). If you would like to talk to someone, advice and support is available from the independent Prisoners’ Families Helpline (freephone) on 0808 808 2003, the Visitors’ Centre at the prison on 01670 382066, the Booked Visits line on 01670 762551 or one of the support groups listed at the back of this leaflet.
Help with travel expenses - Assisted Prison Visits Scheme
If you are a close relative or partner or are the only person visiting a prisoner, you may be able to get help with your travel expenses. Qualifying rules and conditions apply.
Ask at the prison or Visitors’ Centre for an application pack or Telephone the Assisted Prison Visits Unit on 0845 300 1423 between 10.15am – 11.45am and 2.15pm - 3.45pm Monday to Friday. Text phone users can call 0845 304 0800. You can also fax (24 hour service) 0121 626 3474 Write to: Assisted Prison Visits Unit, Freepost BM2257, PO Box 2152, Birmingham B15 1BR. A stamp is not required. Email – [email protected]
Information in Welsh, some foreign languages, Braille or on audio cassette can be obtained direct from the Assisted Prison Visits Unit.
If you are already claiming for assisted visits, you must remember to bring your CONFIRMATION OF A VISIT FORM with you so that it can be stamped to prove that you attended.
How often am I allowed to visit?
The number of times that you can visit a prisoner depends on the privilege level he has been placed on. NOTE: A VALID VISITING ORDER MUST BE PRESENTED TO THE GATE STAFF ON YOUR ARRIVAL.
Privilege Level Number of Visits Basic 1 Visit per 14 days Basic legal entitlement Standard 1 Visit per 14 days Plus 1 PVO per calendar month Enhanced 1 Visit per 14 days Plus 3 PVOs per calendar month
Only Statutory Visiting Orders Can Be Re-Issued If Not Used After 28 Days.
Privilege Visiting Orders (PVOs) Are valid for 28 days from the date of issue and can only be used on weekdays only. Tuesday – Friday inclusive.
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Who can visit?
Only visitors named on a Visiting Order will be allowed to enter the prison. (See next section to find out about Visiting Orders). The names of visitors should be given when booking the visit. Although Prison Service rules allow you to bring any number of children, it is difficult due to seating arrangements for Acklington to make room for all the visitors who need seats. Due to this it means that children over the age of 12 will be counted as adults for seating purposes. Governor’s approval must be sought for larger immediate families.
Visitors under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by an adult.
All prisoners must provide contact details of their visitors which must be approved on the Prison Service data base before a visit can take place. The supplying of incorrect details of a visitor may lead to a delay in booking a visit.
Should a prisoner wish to receive a visit from a person who is serving a portion of a custodial sentence under licence in the community a written application should be made by the prisoner to the Governor. It will then be at the discretion of the Governor as to whether the visit should go ahead, taking into account the views of the offender manager. A specific reason for refusing the visit should be given and should not be made solely on the basis that the person wishing to visit is a former prisoner. A more specific reason is required to justify this decision. If the person falls under the category of close relative defined as: spouse/ partner (including a person – whether of the same or different sex – with whom the prisoner was living as a couple in an established relationship immediately prior to imprisonment) parent, child, brother, sister (including half – or step –brothers and sisters), civil partner, fiancé or fiancée (provided that the Governor is satisfied that a bona fide engagement to marry exists), or a person who has been acting in loco parentis to a prisoner, or a person to whom the prisoner has been in loco parentis. Grandparents may also be included within this definition of close relative for the purposes of social visits as defined in PSO 4410 paragraph 2.6 a decision to refuse such a request should only apply in exceptional circumstances.
Child Contact Arrangements
HM Prison Acklington has a duty to ensure that prisoners identified as representing a risk to children and subject to R2CHPA measures do not have any contact with a child(ren) prior to the completion of a full risk assessment. The definition of contact includes correspondence, photographs, telephone calls and visits. The rights of a child to be protected from harm must take priority over an offender’s right to family life as set out in the 1998 Human Rights Act. Once a prisoner has been identified as posing a risk of harm to children, he must make a written request to the Governor and a risk assessment process will begin. Once the assessment has been completed the Head of Resettlement will decide the level of contact as listed;
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Level 1 full restriction apply. No contact with any child permitted. All correspondence and telephone calls will be monitored.
Level 2 Contact permitted only via written correspondence. All correspondence and telephone calls will be monitored.
Level 3 Contact permitted via written correspondence and telephone. All correspondence and telephone calls will be monitored.
Level 4 No restrictions necessary. May have contact via correspondence, telephone and visits. Routine sampling – reading of correspondence, listening to telephone calls, general observation in visits area.
The named approved responsible adult must accompany the child on the visit, if the responsible adult is not with the child the visit will not take place.
Where visits have been authorised (Level 4), the close supervision of those prisoners identified as posing a risk to children is required to establish if appropriate contact is taking place between offender and child. Other prisoners who have not been permitted contact will be supervised in such a way that contact is not possible. Any such prisoners will be located away from crèche and refreshment areas. Any concerns should be raised immediately with the Visits Senior Officer who has authority to terminate the visit.
For those prisoners where Level 4 contact has been approved a review will take place every 12 months to take account of any developments. Every twelve months the photographs of children are also to be up-dated to ensure that all child visitors can be positively identified. At the review period if (Level 4) has again been authorised a form will be forwarded to the parent/guardian of the child(ren) for completion and return within 28 days with up-dated photographs. If the form and up-dated photographs are not returned within 28 days it will be assumed that the parent/carer does not support child visits, and the file will be closed resulting in the ending of child visits.
What is a Visiting Order (VO)?
Prisoners will only be allowed a visit from persons in possession of a valid Visiting Order issued in advance. The Visiting Order must carry the following details; otherwise it will be deemed invalid and will therefore need to be reissued.
Prisoners name and prison number; VO number with issue date; Names of all adults visiting (main visitor first – maximum 3); Address of main visitor; Names of all children visiting; Ages of all children under 18; DOB;
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Visitors must have received a valid visiting order before booking a visit.
IT IS NOT PERMITTED TO ALTER OR ADD NAMES TO THE VO AFTER IT HAS BEEN ISSUED, IF IT IS DEEMED THE VO HAS BEEN ALTERED IT WILL BE INVALID RESULTING IN YOU BEING DENIED YOUR VISIT. Visitors will need to have in their possession a valid Visiting Order along with approved identification.
How do I book a visit?
You need to arrange your visit with the prison in advance. At least 48hrs notice is required for all pre-booked visits. You must have received a visiting order before you phone to book your visit. If you turn up without having booked your visit you will be turned away.
To book a visit you need to telephone the booking line on 01670 762551. The booking line is open between 09.00-11.30hrs and 13.30-16.00hrs Mon-Thurs Fri 09.00-11.30hrs and 13.30-15.00hrs This information is also on the Visiting Information sheet.
When you phone to book a visit you will be asked for the following information • Details of the name and prison nomis number of the person you want to visit • The date you want to visit • The number of the Visiting Order • The issue date on the VO • The names of people visiting • The names and ages of any visitors under the age of 18 years and their relationship to the prisoner (these details are required under the prison’s child protection policy).
When your visit is booked, you will be given a visit reference number and a group number. This is the order that you will be called for your visit, this removes the need to get here too early. You will also need to tell the clerk your visit number if you cancel or re-arrange your visit.
If you wish to bring a number of children, it is advisable to talk to the booking clerk. Special arrangements may need to be made if seating is limited in the visiting area. (See section on what is available for children during your visit).
If you need to take medication to the prison, please let prison staff know, preferably in advance. You could ask about who you should speak to about this when you are booking your visit. Visits staff can therefore be reminded on the day, in order to avoid any unnecessary delays or misunderstandings. It is also advisable to let staff know if you have a disability, e.g. if you need wheelchair access or have a hearing difficulty, any other special need.
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Visitors’ Centre
The Visitors’ Centre is a building situated outside of the prison gates for visitors to wait prior to seeing their relative or friend in prison. The Visitor’s Centre is run by NEPACS, which is independent of, but works with, the prison. The centre is there to make your visit as comfortable and pleasant as possible. The staff in the Visitors’ Centre aim to provide a friendly, welcoming and supportive environment.
At the Visitors’ Centre you will be able to:
• Wait until your visit is due • Buy refreshments • Receive accurate and up-to-date information about how the prison works and prison life • Receive information about any changes to visiting arrangements • Receive information about financial help available under the Assisted Prisons Visits Scheme, and other organisations and groups which may be able to offer help and support • Discuss any worries you may have in confidence.
Baby changing facilities are available. There is wheelchair access into the centre.
What is available for visitors with disabilities?
If you have a disability, please contact staff in the visit centre on 01670382066 before your visit, so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Wheelchairs, their users, adults accompanying them and assistance dogs may need to be searched. Staff who carry out such searches will do so with sensitivity and the appropriate gender.
Visitors who are likely to need physical assistance during the visit, such as wheelchair users who cannot propel themselves, must be accompanied by another adult. Prison staff cannot provide personal assistance.
Help with getting to the prison or obtaining personal assistance to visit may be available at your local volunteer bureau, Citizen’s Advice Bureau or local Social Services department. If you have difficulty in visiting because of a disability you can discuss this in confidence with the Voluntary Sector Co- ordinator, Visitor’s Centre Manager, Disability Liaison Officer or the main contact point for families in the prison who may be able to put you in touch with local organisations that can help.
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When can I visit?
The days and times available at the prison for you to visit are:
Tuesday 1345 - 1545 Wednesday 1345 - 1545 Thursday 1345 - 1545 Friday 1345 - 1545 Saturday 1345 - 1545 Sunday 1345 - 1545
(See section on what is available for children?
If you are going to be late or you are unable to attend a visit please ring the booked visits line 01670 762551 during opening hours or the prison on 01670 762300 as soon as you can so that the person you are visiting can be told.
Please remember to report to the staff at the visitors centre before your visit is due to start. The latest time you will be allowed entry to the establishment is 1515hrs. You must arrive at the visitors centre by 1510hrs to allow time for booking in.
What happens when I visit?
• You will be asked for proof of your identity (See section Approved Identification below) when you arrive at the prison gates, as well as the Visiting Order.
Approved Identification
If visitors fail to bring identification they will not be allowed in to the prison. The following documents are acceptable forms of identification.
Acceptable alone: • Valid passport; • Valid driving licence – photo bearing; • Senior citizen public transport pass (photo bearing); • Annual public transport season ticket (photo bearing); • Employer’s I.D. card (must show name of visitor/employer’s name/photograph and signature); • Photo bearing disability car permit (issued by local authority); • European ID Card (photo bearing).
***Two or more of the following: *** • Rail or bus pass with photograph; • Cheque book/credit/debit/store card with signature; • Young person’s proof of age card; • Trade Union or Student Union membership card; • Allowance book with address that matches VO; • Birth Certificate; • Marriage Certificate;
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• Bill/bank statement with address that matches VO; • Rent books are considered to be a bill so cannot be used with bill/bank statement; • Old style driving licence; • Library Card with signature; • Plastic National Insurance Card; • Foreign Identity or Residence Card; • Rent Card – Plastic Type.
All Children must have identification
• Birth certificate • Passport • Bus pass • Medical card
This is not an exhaustive list, check with the booked visits clerk for other valid forms of identification.
What can I take with me into the prison?
Up to £10 in coins Prescribed medication Factory sealed baby milk/juice Nappies x2 One small pack baby wipes Factory sealed baby food and plastic spoon One baby pacifier / dummy One bib Pushchair or baby carrier.
If you wish to bring in property for a prisoner, you need to liaise with the prisoner and ensure he has made a”reception application”, prior to your visit. This will ensure that reception staff are present during your visit in order to process your delivery of goods. All items entering the prison will be thoroughly searched and x-rayed in accordance with the prison’s security requirements.
Items posted in should be addressed as follows: -
Prison Number Name Wing HMP Acklington Acklington Morpeth Northumberland NE65 9XF
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Restrictions on clothing during your visit
The wearing of any headdress other than religious is not authorised. Hooded tops are authorised but must not be pulled up to conceal identity. Any visitor wearing boots may be asked to remove them for staff to search prior to entry into the visits hall. Persons wearing double skinned clothing may be subject to a more thorough search.
Conveyance of unauthorised articles under The Offender Management Act 2007
Mobile phones are not allowed inside the prison, but lockers are provided in the visitor centre where these [and other possessions if applicable] can be kept safely for you during your visit. You will require a £1 deposit to enable you to use a locker. Visitors are reminded that all items left in these lockers are at the visitors own risk.
Amendments to the Prison Act that came into force in April 2008 now make it a criminal offence for certain items to be used, brought into or taken out of the prisons without authority it is now a criminal offence for any person without authority:
i) to bring or throw any of the following items in or out of a prison or to leave any of the following items in any place (in or out of the prison) intending to come into the possession of a prisoner or to give to a prisoner any of the following items:
(a) a controlled drug, an explosive a firearm or other offence weapon; maximum penalty is 2 years imprisonment or an unlimited fine or both.
(b) alcohol, a mobile telephone or component parts thereof, a camera or a sound-recording device; maximum penalty is 2 years imprisonment or an unlimited fine or both. ii) to bring or throw any of the following items in or out of a prison with the intention of it coming into the possession of a prisoner or to leave any of the following items in any place (in or out of the prison) intending it to come into the possession of a prisoner or to give to a prisoner any of the following items:
(c) tobacco, money, clothing, food, drink, letters, papers, books, tools, IT equipment and associated peripherals; maximum penalty is a £1000 fine. iii) to take a photograph or make a sound recording within a prison or convey an official document or photograph or personal file in or out of a prison. maximum penalty is 2 years imprisonment or a £1000 fine or both.
Criminal prosecutions will be pursued against those to be in deliberate and malicious breach of the above provisions.
CCTV is in operation throughout the visits area.
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Searching
HMP Acklington has a Drug Supply Reduction policy. This means that you will encounter a dog which is trained to pick up the scent of drugs as you enter the prison. The dog is trained not to harm, but to indicate on a person where drugs may be detected.
The Prison Service is committed to ensuring the safety and well being of everyone who lives, works in and visits the prison. Searching those who enter the prison is one way of achieving this. The search will be carried out with respect for and courtesy to all individuals, regardless of gender or race.
Searching usually involves a ‘rub down’ search, which you may often see at airports. With authority from the Governor, sometimes more detailed searches may be carried out. Dogs may also be used specifically to pick up the scent of controlled drugs, although a dog indication in itself does not provide proof of smuggling, the individual may be subject to a full search by the appropriate gender of staff, placed on closed visits or asked to leave the establishment. The use of metal/mobile phone detectors may also take place.
If a person, including a visitor, is caught in possession of drugs or other prohibited items, they will be subject to a visiting ban and the police will always be called.
Children and babies may also be searched, but this will be done sensitively and only in the presence and with the consent of the parent or the adult accompanying them. Babies and toddlers will always be searched by a female member of staff. If consent is refused, all visitors will be asked to leave the establishment.
Details of required searching techniques are on display in the visits area, which gives a more detailed explanation of how searches may be carried out.
Drug Supply Reduction
There is an important role that you can play as a visitor to the prison. We need your help in keeping prisoners and visiting areas drugs free. The smuggling of drugs into prison is a serious offence and will therefore be treated as such.
If anyone is suspected of smuggling drugs, they will either:
• Be subject to a more thorough rub down search • Be informed that the visit is to be terminated • Be subject to a full search if they agree to this.
If visitors are found in possession of an illegal substance, they will be subject to additional measures i.e.
• Being banned from the prison for a period of at least three months, or more at the Governors discretion and then Closed Visits. • The police will be called which could lead to an arrest.
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If you are worried about drugs or being placed under pressure to traffic drugs, please ask to speak to an appropriate member of staff, if possible before you leave the prison. Alternatively phone the prison 01670 762387, Police or contact one of the independent organisations listed for help and advice.
Conduct and Behaviour
***HMP Acklington adopts a Zero Tolerance Policy*** towards visitors to the prison and within the visitors centre; you are expected to behave in a reasonable and cooperative manner. The following behaviour is deemed to be unacceptable:
• Abusive behaviour to all staff, visitors or prisoners • Threatening behaviour toward staff, visitors or prisoners • Behaviour that in any way endangers the health and safety of others
Visitors acting in this manner may be subject to additional measures i.e.
• Having your visit terminated • Receive a written warning regarding expected conduct and behaviour • Being banned from the prison for a period of at least three months, or more at the Governors discretion • The police may be called which could lead to an arrest
If it is deemed that any visitor appears to be under the influence of drink or drugs either within the visitors centre or in the visiting hall will have their visit terminated.
What happens during a visit?
The prisoner and his visitor(s) sit across a table in an open room, with other prisoners and visitors present. Physical contact between the prisoner and his visitor(s) is usually allowed briefly at the beginning and end of the visit.
The person you are visiting and you will need to remain seated throughout the visit.
A visit may be held under ‘closed’ conditions if there are concerns that the visit may be a risk to prison security, or if there is a risk that unacceptable or illegal activity might take place during the visit such as the passing of drugs. During a closed visit the prisoner and his visitor talk to each other while seated either side of a glass panel.
If you leave the room for any reason such as to use the toilet, you will be searched again before you re-enter the visits room. Prison staff will be present in the visiting area to make sure the session runs smoothly, and that the visits area is safe and comfortable for visitors and prisoners.
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You can buy tea, coffee, cold drinks and snacks for you and the person you are visiting.
You are responsible at all times for any children you bring in to the visiting area.
At the end of visits, visitors will not be allowed to leave the establishment until all the prisoners are accounted for.
What is available for children?
There is a play area for visitors’ children to enjoy in the visiting area where there are toys, and volunteers to help supervise children. However the parent or adult(s) who has brought in the child(ren) remain(s) responsible for them throughout the visit and must stay in sight of their child(ren) at all times, including while they are in the play area.
All visitors under the age of 18 years are regarded as children, and must visit with an adult. This is a requirement of the prison’s child protection policy. They must not be left on their own anywhere or at any time on the prison premises, including in the Visitors’ Centre or car park.
What to do if you are worried about a relative or friend in prison?
If you have any serious concerns about a prisoner’s safety or well being, for instance - • If you feel he may harm himself, • If he is being bullied • If he is subject to racist or other abuse
Please raise your concerns with any member of staff if possible before you leave the prison, or contact the manager of the Visitors’ Centre. The information will then be passed to an appropriate member of staff in the prison for this to be dealt with as soon as possible. If you are unable to contact anyone at the prison, contact the Prisoners’ Families Helpline on 0808 808 2003 (see section “Where can I get help from outside of the prison?” for more information on the Helpline), or the Samaritans, on 08457 90 90 90 (24 hours 7 days a week, cost of local call).
There is a free At Risk Helpline at the prison, which you may phone in confidence. The number is 01670 762 518. There is also a ‘Critical Information’ line available 24 hours. 01670 762387
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How can I make a complaint?
If you are unhappy about our visiting facilities or arrangements, or have any suggestions about how they might be improved please contact the following 01670 382066 (visit centre), write to the Front of House Manager or speak to the Manager in charge of visits on the day in question.
You can write instead, about visits or any other prison matter, to the prison Governor, the Chair of the Independent Monitoring Board (which is not part of the management of the prison), your own MP or the MP in the constituency that the prison is in. Complaints can also be made to the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman, which is also an independent body, but this has to be done through the prisoner you are visiting. (Address: Prisons and Probation Ombudsman, Ashley House, 2 Monck Street, London SW1P 2BQ).
The Prison Service believes that all prisoners, visitors and staff should be treated with respect, whatever their age, gender, race, nationality, family status, sexuality, disability, culture, religion or lifestyle. No individual or family should be excluded from using the visits facilities on any of these grounds. HMP Acklington is opposed to any display of prejudice by staff towards prisoners or visitors. If you feel that you have experienced any form of discrimination we would encourage you to make a complaint. The visitors centre operates a comments book where visitors are encouraged and welcome to record any valid comments felt appropriate, these comments are reviewed regularly in order to help improve the services available to visitors.
Where can I get help from outside of the prison?
There are a number of organisations who work with prisoners and their families which are not part of the Prison Service. You can seek help or advice directly from these organisations.
National Organisations:
Prisoners’ Families Helpline This is the national freephone helpline offering information and support to anyone with a relative or friend in prison. They can also send out publications, have a web site with downloadable information and provide an e- mail service. Tel: 0800 808 2003 Website: www.prisonersfamilieshelpline.org.uk E-mail: [email protected]
Action for Prisoners’ Families An umbrella organisation supporting the development of services for families of those in prison. Produces resource material for families, a newsletter and works on national policy issues affecting families. Address: Unit 102, Riverbank House, 1 Putney Bridge Approach, London SW6 3JD
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Tel: 0207 384 1987 Website: www.prisonersfamilies.org.uk Email: [email protected]
Adfam Adfam exists to raise awareness of, and take action to alleviate, family problems relating to drugs and alcohol. The “Road to Release” is the umbrella name for Adfam’s criminal justice projects, which offer a range of services to families affected by drug use and imprisonment. Full details of Adfam services, events and publications can be found on the web site. Address: Waterbridge House, 32.36 Loman Street, London SE1 OEH. Tel: 0207 928 8898 (office) 0207 202 9446 (ring back service for families and friends). Web site: www.adfam.org.uk Email: [email protected]
Aftermath Aftermath exists to provide support to the families of serious offenders. They aim to educate and promote public awareness of the suffering borne by the families of the offender. Address: PO Box 414, Sheffield, Yorkshire S4 7RT Tel: 0114 275 8520 Web site: www.aftermathuk.org.uk Email: [email protected]
Citizen’s Advice Bureau Citizens’ Advice Bureaux offer free, confidential, impartial and independent advice on a range of issues from debt and consumer issues, benefits, housing, legal matters, employment, immigration and other matters. Advisers can help fill out forms, write letters, negotiate with creditors and represent clients at court or tribunal. Many bureaux provide specialist advice, often in partnership with other agencies such as solicitors and the probation service. The CAB provides advice and resettlement services in many prisons [specify whether in your establishment and who to contact].
Telephone: (Switchboard) 0207 833 2181 Web site: www.nacab.org.uk. Search the CAB directory on the web site for your nearest local bureau. It includes details on languages offered, advice by e-mail, text phone facilities and specialist services. For on-line advice and information, access the CAB Advice guide web site.
CLINKS Maintains a national directory of organisations that work with prisoners and their families. Address: 15 Priory Street, York, YO1 6ET Tel: 01904 673 970 email: [email protected]
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Crimestoppers Crimestoppers enables anyone with information about crime or criminal activities, and who wishes to remain anonymous, to call a single nationwide freephone number. Callers will not be asked their name or other personal details and the call will not be recorded or traced. If the information leads to an arrest and charge, the caller may qualify for a cash reward (up to £500) which is paid without compromising the anonymity of the caller. The Crimestoppers Trust, a registered charity, is a partnership between the community, business and the media to assist in the detection of crime. Telephone no: 0800 555 111
Nacro Offers resettlement information and advice both before and after release. Resettlement Plus Freephone Helpline: 0800 0181 259 Website: www.nacro.org.uk email: [email protected]
Parents Against Drug Abuse (PADA) Offers advice and support to the parents of drug users. PADA staff can also act as a referral service to local support groups. PADA Helpline: 08457 023867 Web site: www.pada.org.uk Email: [email protected]
Prison Fellowship of England and Wales Offers support to prisoners, families and ex-offenders. The organisation is volunteer based with a Christian ethos, offering services to anyone who asks them regardless of belief. In some prisons Prison Fellowship runs special projects, such as the Angel Tree project which provides Christmas presents for prisoners’ children. Address: PO Box 945, Malden, Essex CM9 4EW Tel: 01621 843232 Web site: www.prisonfellowship.org.uk Email: [email protected]
Prison Reform Trust This is a national charity that campaigns for better conditions in prison and the greater use of alternatives to custody. They have an advice service and can provide information on various aspects of imprisonment. Address: Second Floor, The Old Trading House, 15 Northburgh Street, London, EC1V 0JR Tel: 020 7251 5070 Website: www.prisonreformtrust.org.uk email: [email protected]
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SOME REGIONAL ORGANISATIONS:
AFFECT A non-judgemental organisation working in the South East offering counselling, telephone support and a befriending service. They provide information and advice, meet together regularly, support families throughout a trial and offer training. Address: PO Box 345, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO4 0WF Tel: 01329 832254 Web site: www.mysite.freeserve.com/affect Email: [email protected]
CONTACT – CHESHIRE SUPPORT GROUP CONTACT provides practical and emotional support to families and friends of the accused (whether innocent or guilty) from the moment of arrest through to release. The organisation also provides an escort service for children in Social Services care and the severely disabled to visit a loved one in prison. Address: Ascot Court, 71-73 Middlewich Road, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 7BP Tel: 0870 010 2569 Web site: www.contactcsg.org Email: [email protected]
NEPACS A voluntary, independent, community based charity set up to support prisoners and their families/friends visiting North Eastern prisons. Address: Durham Visitors’ Centre, 22 Old Elvet, Durham DH1 3HW Tel: 0191 332 3676
PACT (PRISON ADVICE AND CARE TRUST) Counselling and support for prisoners, ex-offenders and their families. Address: Lincoln House, 1-3 Brixton Road, London, SW9 6DE Tel: 020 7582 1313 Website: www.imprisonment.org.uk email: [email protected]
PARTNERS OF PRISONERS’ FAMILIES SUPPORT GROUPS (POPS) Offers a wide range of services to anyone who has a loved one in prison in the North West. Address: Valentine House, 1079 Rochdale Road, Blackley, Manchester, M9 8AJ Tel: 0161 702 1000 Website: www.partnersofprisoners.co.uk email: [email protected]
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PFFS (PRISONERS FAMILIES AND FRIENDS SERVICE) Offers an advice and information service to relatives or friends of prisoners. Confidential freephone helpline and factsheet giving information on prison related topics such as making a visit, keeping in touch and dealing with the emotional impact of imprisonment. Address: 20 Trinity Street, London, SE1 1DB Tel: 0808 808 3444 email: [email protected]
SHARP (SUPPORT, HELP & ADVICE FOR RELATIVES OF PRISONERS) Free and confidential help, advice, support and friendship available for the relatives and friends of those serving sentences, awaiting trial or facing the prospect of legal action. Address: 83a Wylcot, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY1 1UT Tel: 01743 245 365 Website: www.s-h-a-r-p.org.uk
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