A CHARITY is currently seeking new volunteers to support children and families of prisoners visiting HMP Deerbolt, near Barnard Castle.

Nepacs has worked across the region for more than 135 years to help support a positive future for prisoners, their friends and families.

It is looking for new volunteers to join their team at HMP Deerbolt - a category C young offenders’ establishment that caters for male young offenders between the ages of 18 to 24.

The Deerbolt team are looking for people who have a few hours to volunteer on Thursday, Saturday or Sunday each week to help families on the day they visit a loved one in prison. They need help booking people in for a visit, serving refreshments and in their play areas for young children, both outside and inside the prison.

Emma Price, Nepacs’ volunteer coordinator, said: “The impact of imprisonment on children and families can be devastating which is why we feel it is important to support them every step of their journey – from the courts, during the time their loved one is in prison and prior to release.

"Our team of volunteers are dedicated to helping prisoners’ families and children across the north east, but we are looking for more volunteers to join our team and help us to offer the best support possible during what is an extremely difficult time for families.”

For more visit nepacs.co.uk or email volunteering@nepacs.co.uk