A north of England charity, supporting over 124,000 visitors to north east prisons each year, are appealing for volunteers to help support families and children impacted by the criminal justice system in the Teesside area and at HMP Frankland in near Durham City.

Nepacs aims to support and enhance the lives of people as they navigate the justice or social care systems, ensuring they always have someone trusted by their side, aiding understanding, facilitating wellbeing and promoting positive choices.  The charity has over 170 volunteers working across the north of England including teams of volunteers in all seven prisons and courts in the north east and in the community.

The charity is currently seeking volunteers to help provide a welcoming and friendly visiting service for children and families visiting a loved one in HMP Holme House and HMP Kirklevington (in Tees Valley) and HMP Frankland (near Durham City).

There is something to suit everyone as the team are looking for volunteers to provide support in the visitors centre (outside the prison) and in the tea bars and play areas in the visits halls.

Hilary Askin, Nepacs’ prison visits services team manager, said: “The impact of imprisonment on children and families can be devastating which is why we feel it is important to support them every step of their journey – from the courts, during the time their loved one is in prison and prior to release.  Our team of volunteers are dedicated to helping prisoners’ families and children across the north east, but we are looking for more volunteers to join our team and help us to offer the best support possible during what is an extremely difficult time for families.

“Nepacs volunteers come from all walks of life. If you think you could get involved and would like to be part of a team who helps to make a difference to the lives of prisoners’ families please get in touch.”

Carol, a volunteer at HMP Holme House visitors centre, said: “I’ve been a volunteer with Nepacs for 3 years, initially with the court project at Teesside Crown Court and then for the past year also at Holme House prison… I find it very rewarding as often people are scared, confused and little daunted by the whole process. It can be an alien environment for some …

I find volunteering immensely rewarding and the fact that I can support people who need information and reassurance.”

Peter, who also volunteers at HMP Holme House visitors’ centre said: “When I retired I wanted to be involved in some voluntary work. I saw an advert in the local paper for volunteers for Holme House Prison Visitors Centre. I thought that this would be a great way to help the families and loved ones of prisoners.

“I have now been volunteering for the past 20 years. I feel that I am able to give something back to the community, also it has given me the opportunity to work with other volunteers and staff who I now call friends.”

If you would like to find out more please visit www.nepacs.co.uk or contact the Nepacs volunteer coordinator at volunteering@nepacs.co.uk.