AN open day is being held to give anyone interested at volunteering at a prison a chance to have a look around.

Nepacs, a charity working with prisoners and their families in the North-East, is holding the event at Durham Prison on Sunday, June 3 to try and recruit new volunteers.

Emma Price, volunteer coordinator, said: “The impact of imprisonment on children and families can be devastating and visiting court or prison for the first time can be quite difficult and sometimes distressing.

“Our volunteers offer a warm welcome and someone to chat to, which is particularly important for people who are going into the unknown and are facing a place and situation they may never have thought they would ever be.”

The charity also supports people appearing at court, as well as other prisons in the area.

It is also looking for people to support their regional youth programme which helps young people aged 8 to 17 years impacted by a parent or relative being in prison.

Admin volunteers, and people to help the friends and families of people attending Durham Crown Court are also needed.

People must book a place at the open day by emailing eprice@nepacs.co.uk or calling 0191 375 7278.

It takes place in the visitors’ centre at the prison in Old Elvet between 1pm-3pm.