A CHARITY supporting more than 124,000 visitors to North East prisons each year is seeking new volunteers to help support families and children impacted by the criminal justice system in the Teesside area.

Nepacs is giving anyone interested in volunteering the chance to come along to their volunteer open days for anyone interested in volunteering opportunities with Nepacs at Teesside Crown Court or working with children and young people visiting HMP Holme House.

The first takes place on Monday, January 28, between 1pm to 3pm at the visitors centre, HMP Holme House in Stockton.

The second takes place on Thursday, February 5 between 10am and noon in Middlesbrough for anyone who wants to support families of defendants at Teesside Crown Court.

Those that attend will hear about the different volunteering opportunities available, be able to chat to existing volunteers and if interested in volunteering they will be able to sign up for volunteering on the day.

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.”

To book onto the open day please contact Emma Price, Nepacs Volunteer Coordinator by email eprice@nepacs.co.uk or call 0191-375-7278.