Prisoners' Families Helpline

The Prisoners' Families Helpline is a free and confidential service for anyone who is is affected by the imprisonment of a close family member or friend. It takes over 14,000 calls a year and provides an e-mail and web site service for those who would prefer not to use the phone.

A recent evaluation confirmed and reinforced the value of the service provided by the Prisoners' Families Helpline and no signficant recommendations for improving the service emerged from the interviews with callers. Download a summary of the report below. You can also download a recent press release about the Helpline below.

The Helpline is co-ordinated by Action for Prisoners' Families. Two organisations -Ormiston Children and Families Trust and Partners of Prisoners and Families Support Group (POPS) provide information and support. If English is not your first language the Prisoners' Families Helpline can use Language Line, a translation service.

Phone Freephone 0808 808 2003

Mon 9.00-5

Tues-Fri 9.00-5,

Sat 10-3

Go to the Prisoners' Families Helpline web site to download briefings and information sheets and access the National Directory of Support Services.

Helpline evaluation 2008 Helpline Press Release June 2008

"The service is a great help to families who feel 'helpless' and are unaware of assistance. It's good to have sympathy. The pack sent to me, very quickly, was excellent. It answered most of my queries." (Helpline caller)

"The lady on the other end of the phone was great. I was very distressed and crying but she made me feel calmer with her practical advice and quiet confidence." (Helpline caller)