FRIENDS and families of prisoners in North-East prisons are invited to have their say on how services they receive can be improved.

The Visitors’ Voice event will take place Pallion Action Group, 5 East Moor Road, Sunderland, from 10am to 2pm on Friday March 13. Free lunch and refreshments will be provided.

Nepacs, a long-standing charity in the north east of England which aims to support a positive future for prisoners and their families, has organised the event, in partnership with the Pallion Action Group and Gentoo Group.

Nepacs run a number of services to support friends and families of prisoners, including prison visitors' centres and tea bars; play sessions for prisoners' children and youth projects; integrated family support services and support within the Middlesbrough and Durham courts.

Nepacs chief executive Helen Attewell said: “We recognise that families of prisoners, and especially children, may become the hidden victims of crime when a relative is imprisoned. “Our staff and volunteers provide friendship and support in our visitors’ centres, at court and are at the end of the phone if you need someone to talk to during this difficult time.”

She added: “The Visitors’ Voice event is a great opportunity for people who have a friend or relative in prison to get together and speak to others in a similar situation.

“So, if you have a loved one in prison in the North-East please come along to the event.

For more information about the event or to book a place please email egray@nepacs.co.uk or telephone 0191 332 3810. For more information about the work of Nepacs visit www.nepacs.co.uk.