Nepacs
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Nepacs is a long established charity which aims to support a positive future for prisoners and their families in the north east of England.
Nepacs aims to support and enhance the lives of people as they navigate the justice or social care systems, ensuring they always have someone trusted by their side, aiding understanding, facilitating wellbeing and promoting positive choices. We recognise that every year thousands of families, and especially children, may become hidden victims of crime when a relative is imprisoned. From the moment of arrest and throughout the court process and prison sentence, families are at risk of social isolation and stigma which can affect their emotional, physical, financial and social wellbeing. The impact of imprisonment can be devastating, which is why our staff and volunteers provide friendship and support throughout this difficult time - from the courts in Teesside, Newcastle and Durham, to helping families to maintain contact during the prison sentence through our prison visitors’ centres, family support workers, and child and youth projects and then, at the end of the journey, offering families support on what to expect when their loved one is released. We aim to:
• Support and assist prisoners, families and friends of prisoners in their visits to the prison and in their life outside the prison
• Ensure that children visiting relatives in prison will feel welcome and find the experience as pleasant as possible
• Relieve hardship due to the poverty of some offenders and their families.
• Support the education and training of offenders, and other processes which may assist their rehabilitation
• Raise public awareness through the collection and publication of information relating to criminal justice matters and to the prevention of crime. Find out more about the work of Nepacs or get involved through volunteering, fundraising or making a donation at www.nepacs.co.uk or email [email protected]
Thank you
14/10/2026
Do you work with children and families, or individuals impacted by the justice or care systems?
We have a range of training taking place this month, all delivered online via Zoom.
- Hidden sentence awareness training - 20 October (5pm - 7.30pm) or 23 November (1pm - 3.30pm)
- Parental rights in prison training - 2 November, 1pm to 3.30pm
- Care leaver awareness training - 11 November, 1pm to 4pm
To book or find out more visit https://bookwhen.com/nepacs
If you would like to discuss your team or organisation's training requirements please get in touch by emailing [email protected]
Thanks!
13/10/2026
Congratulations to Vicky Giusti, family support team leader and women's lead for receiving a Nepacs certificate of excellence last week.
Vicky was recognised for demonstrating outstanding initiative and proactive support across all departments, consistently going above and beyond the requirements of her role to help colleagues, partners and the organisation.
Well done Vicky and thank you for all your hard work.
12/10/2026
Are you getting ready for Halloween?
Our team at HMP Holme House visits centre are all prepared and look forward to welcoming families attending visits and family days in the run up to the big night.
We hope you enjoy the spooky activities we have planned for all of our special family days taking place in north east prisons this month.
Please support our teams by donating to our children of prisoners appeal here: https://nepacs.enthuse.com/cf/support-for-children-with-a-loved-one-in-prison
08/10/2026
Are you a Sunderland University student?
Interested in volunteering and opportunities to build experience in the justice or social care systems, or helping children and families?
Come along to our stand at today's Employability and Volunteering fair at City Space, Sunderland.
Caitie and John will be there until 1pm today to chat to anyone interested in finding out more about Nepacs including the wide range of volunteer opportunities we have available for students.
Find out more or apply at https://nepacs.co.uk/page/become-a-volunteer
07/10/2026
If you become our supporter on easyfundraising, you'll raise free funds for NEPACS simply by shopping online or instore at certain retailers.
And if you join by Sunday, you can help NEPACS WIN a £100 donation prize in easyfundraising's giveaway!
NEPACS will get a FREE entry each time a new supporter signs up! It only takes a moment and it's completely free, so please get involved if you haven't already - this would really boost our fundraising:
https://join.easyfundraising.org.uk/nepacs/BRK24V/s2s/E7OVWoL0/PMC01/facebook/
06/10/2026
DO YOU LIVE IN COUNTY DURHAM?
Are you affected by a family member or loved one’s arrest, court proceedings or imprisonment?
Come along to one of our upcoming drop-in sessions in your area:
📅 14 October – Bishop Auckland Best Start Family Hub
📅 19 October – Horden Best Start Family Hub
📅 27 October – Stanley Best Start Family Hub
🕤 9.30am – 11.30am
ALL WELCOME!
We can offer information, advice and support to anyone affected by a loved one’s arrest, court proceedings, prison sentence or release from custody.
We can also help you access information and support, including details about financial assistance through the Help with Prison Visits scheme and local grant schemes.
🔒 Anything discussed is confidential.
Please note that we cannot provide legal advice or advice relating to a specific case.
Find out more at https://www.nepacs.co.uk/page/community-drop-ins
05/10/2026
🍂 Autumn has arrived at HMP Durham! 🍂
Children visiting HMP Durham have been helping the team get the Visitors Centre ready for the new season.
This year’s display board has an Autumn Fun Fair theme, with children designing and colouring their own pictures to help bring the display to life. 🍁
During Friday evening Family Learning Visits, children have also been getting creative with their families, making beautiful autumn wreaths and adorable hedgehogs together. 🦔🍂
It’s been wonderful to see families getting creative, spending quality time together and helping to make the Visitors Centre feel welcoming and seasonal.
A huge well done to all the budding artists and crafty creators! ❤️
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR TEAM by donating to our online appeal to raise funds towards our family day activities and play area activities for children and families. https://nepacs.enthuse.com/cf/support-for-children-with-a-loved-one-in-prison
Thank you!
01/10/2026
October is here which means the weather is getting colder, nights are darker and our visitors centres are getting ready for Halloween!
If you are visiting any north east prisons or attending any special family days please do get involved in the spooky celebrations and activities created by our staff and volunteers.
At HMP Deerbolt they are running a Halloween themed tombola throughout October and look out for a range of activities at our other prison visits centres.
30/09/2026
Are you a Durham University student? Interested in volunteering and opportunities to build experience in the justice or social care systems, or helping children and families?
Come along to our stand at today's Freshers Fayre event at the Sport and Wellbeing Park, Durham, DH1 3SE.
Caitie will be there this morning and this afternoon to chat to anyone interested in finding out more about Nepacs including the wide range of volunteer opportunities we have available for students in the Durham and wider north east area.
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
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20 Old Elvet
Durham
DH13HW
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