NEPACS provides support for children of all ages who visit relatives at the prisons within the north east region.  We have a team of dedicated staff and volunteers at each establishment who pride themselves on reducing the possible fear and tension associated with visiting prison by providing a warm and friendly welcome, and ensuring fun and laughter for children.

We provide play facilities in visitors' centres and visits rooms within prisons.  This gives children an opportunity to let off steam after a long journey and before going through the search procedure and into prison, and also takes pressure off families in the visits room, since children would otherwise be expected to sit still at a visits table for a long period of time.

Special visits for children to learn through playing with their parent in prison take place at some regional establishments on a regular basis.  For example, special 'mother child' and 'father child' visits take place regularly at HMP YOI Low Newton, HMP Castington, HMP Frankland, HMP Durham and HMYOI Deerbolt, where children have the opportunity to spend longer with their parents and get involved in structured play activities together.

Occasional 'play days' for families also take place at a number of establishments including HMP YOI Low Newton in Durham, HMP Holme House in Stockton and HMP Frankland, the high security prison in Durham City.  These days provide a vital opportunity to maintain family ties.