Many of the people held in our prisons are fortunate enough to have regular visits from friends or family. Others however are totally isolated from the world outside. These prisoners rely on people such as prison visitors — volunteers who give time each month to visit those in prison who have no other visits.

WHAT?

A prison visitor listens in confidence to their prisoner, gives them a sense of self-respect and being cared for.

There are many reasons why people may find themselves without the comfort and support of visitors. Some may be held at such a distance from their home that their friends and family can neither spare the time or afford the cost of a visit, others may have found themselves ostracised after getting into trouble, others still, may simply lack any long term relationships which might otherwise provide them with visitors. As a visitor you might find yourself visiting a prisoner for just one visit or you may visit on a regular basis over a number of months.

If an individual prisoner wants to be visited by a volunteer visitor, he or she generally informs the prison chaplain, or in some cases, the voluntary sector co-ordinator (this is a post which is becoming more common within prisons, but is still relatively rare) who will then contact one of a list of visitors and arrange for a visit to take place.

WHO?

Anyone can be a prison visitor, but they will need patience, understanding and, not unnaturally, the ability to relate to a wide variety of people.

Visitors are recruited and trained locally. Whilst the Prison Service encourages the idea of prison visiting, it does not itself provide training. It does however fund the National Association of Prison Visitors, which provides training and disseminates up to date information on best practice.

HOW?

For further information on prison visiting contact your local prison service establishment.

Alternatively, you can contact the National Association of Prison Visitors (email info@napv.org.uk or visit www.napv.org.uk).