Prison Charities in the UK: Support for Prisoners and Families
Last reviewed: June 2026.
In short: a network of UK charities supports prisoners and their families — free, confidential and independent of the prison. Key organisations include the Prison Advice and Care Trust (Pact), the Prisoners’ Families Helpline, the Prison Reform Trust, Nacro, StandOut and Switchback (resettlement), and the Samaritans (whose Listeners scheme trains prisoners to support one another). They help with advice, emotional support, family contact, housing and work on release, and campaigning — for the person inside and the people at home.
Who can help, and with what
| Organisation | How they help |
|---|---|
| Prison Advice and Care Trust (Pact) | Family support, visitors’ centres and first-night/early-days help. |
| Prisoners’ Families Helpline | Free confidential advice for anyone with a loved one in prison. |
| Prison Reform Trust | Advice information and an advice line on rights and prison life; policy work. |
| Nacro | Resettlement, housing and a resettlement advice line. |
| StandOut / Switchback | Through-the-gate mentoring and employment support on release. |
| Samaritans (Listeners) | Emotional support; Listeners are trained prisoners who support peers in distress. |
For families
Having a relative in prison is isolating and stressful. Charities like Pact and the Prisoners’ Families Helpline offer a confidential ear, practical guidance on visits and money, and support for children. You don’t have to cope alone, and using these services has no effect on the prisoner. See our guides on family finances and telling children.
For prisoners and on release
Inside, charities and chaplaincy provide support and advice on rights. As release approaches, resettlement charities help with the things that prevent reoffending — housing, ID, bank accounts, work and mentoring through the gate.
Things people often miss
- Thinking help is only for the prisoner — families have dedicated, free support too.
- Waiting until release to seek resettlement help — start before the gate.
- Not knowing the Listeners scheme exists — trained prisoners offer round-the-clock peer support.
- Assuming charity contact affects the sentence — it doesn’t; these services are independent and confidential.
Frequently asked questions
Are these services free?
Yes — the charities and helplines listed are free and independent of the prison.
Is there a helpline for families?
Yes — the Prisoners’ Families Helpline offers free confidential advice.
Who supports prisoners in crisis?
The Samaritans-trained Listeners scheme and the chaplaincy, alongside healthcare; the Samaritans are free on 116 123.
Related guides and official sources
See prison chaplains, contacting someone in prison and prisoners’ rights. Useful organisations: Pact, the Prison Reform Trust, Nacro and the Prisoners’ Families Helpline.
