The Prisoners Families Helpline was established up in 2003 following a grant from the National Lottery. The service was established because, whilst there were several regional support groups, there was no central point of information and support for offenders' families and friends. The helpline is coordinated by Action for Prisoners Families and calls are taken nationally by two operating agencies, Partners of Prisoners and Families Support Group (POPS) and Ormiston Children and Families Trust.

The Helpline takes over 1,000 calls per month and numbers are constantly increasing. This increase in calls reflects the rise of the prison population and the Helpline's reputation.

"It is so hard when your son is in prison and it has never happened before, you are left in the dark with nobody to help. The people at the helpline made it easier for me to cope."
Family Member

The Helpline acts as an information and advice service, signposting families in the direction of appropriate information or local services. We aim to give families the tools to help themselves and empower them to cope with supporting the offender. The Helpline also provides a listening, confidential and non-judgmental ear that families can use as an advocate, 'critical' friend or just someone to talk to.

For more information please contact the Helpline on 0808 808 2003 or visit our website at www.prisonersfamilieshelpline.org.uk

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