Find support
Preparing for a first visit? Open the checklist ↗
You don’t have to work everything out on your own. Find someone to ask, check who supports your prison, or get help with the cost of visiting.
Help paying for prison visits
Travel costs can make staying in touch difficult. You may be able to get a contribution towards travel and some other visit costs through the Help With Prison Visits scheme.
Eligibility depends on your circumstances, your relationship to the person you visit and qualifying benefits or an HC2 or HC3 certificate. Receiving Universal Credit alone does not automatically qualify you; the scheme has a household payment limit.
- Check the rules before booking travel or assuming the full fare will be covered.
- Keep tickets and receipts, and follow the instructions about evidence of your visit.
- The official page explains eligible costs, supporting documents and how to apply.
Visiting a prison in Northern Ireland? Check its separate scheme ↗
Official guidance checked 16 October 2026. Awards depend on the scheme’s rules and assessment.POPS (Partners of Prisoners)
Practical guidance and family support, including help with visiting and staying connected. POPS works at a number of prisons across several regions; its prison pages list local services and team contacts.
Coverage: Check the named prison on the POPS website. Its published list includes Kirkham, Liverpool, Manchester, Preston, Garth, Wymott and prisons beyond the North West. Services vary by location.
How to get in touch: Families can contact the local team directly using the prison page, or ask the central office where to start.
0161 702 1000 (central office)
mail@pops.org.uk
Central office hours: Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm. Local service hours may differ.
Prisoners’ Families Helpline
Free, confidential advice and information for families with someone in contact with the criminal justice system. You can contact the helpline directly; no professional referral is needed to ask a question.
0808 808 2003
info@prisonersfamilies.org
Monday–Friday, 9am–8pm.
Saturday and Sunday, 10am–3pm. Check the website for holiday arrangements.
Operated by Pact. Checked 16 October 2026. This is a family advice service, not an emergency line.
Pact (Prison Advice and Care Trust)
Support for people in prison, people on probation, children and families. The visitors’ guides and family information can help you find the relevant prison service and understand visiting arrangements.
How to start: Use the visitors’ guides or contact Pact to ask which local team or service is appropriate. Some services have their own eligibility or referral arrangements.
020 7735 9535 (general office)
info@prisonadvice.org.uk
For family advice, use the helpline above. See Pact’s website for team availability. Checked 16 October 2026.
Support in other areas
The organisation supporting visits can differ from one prison to another. Check your prison’s official visiting page or use the government directory to find other family organisations, including Nepacs, Ormiston Families and Invisible Walls.
Official directory of family support organisations ↗Scotland: Families Outside ↗
Northern Ireland: NIACRO and Family Links information ↗
These are independent organisations. A listing does not imply a partnership with Before the Gate or ownership of its materials. Details checked 16 October 2026; services, coverage and opening hours can change. Confirm arrangements with the organisation.
Worried about your child at school?
Prepare a private conversation about what your child understands, how they are coping and what would help.
Speaking to your child’s school ↗Been in care?
Check support packages, grants and help to plan for release.
Care-leaver support before and after release ↗