A NORTH-East charity is having an event to give people the chance to have a say on how well prisons in the area support family ties.

Nepacs, which provides support for prisoners and their families, is having the visitor’s voice event on Wednesday, March 13 to give anyone currently visiting a prison in the North-East the chance to talk about the service they receive and what improvements could be made.

Helen Attewell, chief executive of Nepacs, said: “Our visitors are ‘experts by experience’ and know better than anyone else what would make keeping in touch and visiting a prison less difficult.

“At Nepacs we have been working with local prisons to develop action plans to help strengthen family ties for their residents.

“We need help to think through what else could be done to improve support, particularly at the point at which someone first goes into custody.”

She added: “If you have a loved one in prison in the north east please come along to our visitors’ voice event.

“We want to find out what you think about the help and support you are receiving, and how we can make your visit experience better.”

It takes place at Bowburn Community Centre, in Bowburn, County Durham between 10am and 2pm.

A free lunch and refreshments will be provided.

For more information about the event or to book a place please email training@nepacs.co.uk or telephone 0191 332 3810.

Alternatively, if you already go to a visitors’ centre in the north east you can book your place with the centre manager.