Niacro

Contributing to the Family Links programme, NIACRO staff based at Magilligan and Hydebank Wood provide a service for people visiting prisoners.  

Staff provide refreshments, childcare and games for teenage visitors, as well as a sympathetic listening ear and support to individuals and families who may find visiting a difficult and upsetting experience.

NIACRO provides transport to and from all three prisons, and to the Juvenile Justice Centre in Bangor, for people who would otherwise be unable to visit a relation in custody.In 2006-2007, we had 3843 passengers.  In a recent user survey, one mother said that she would only have been able to see her son once a fortnight, but with the NIACRO bus she could get down twice a week.  That meant she had been able to maintain her relationship with him for the six months of his sentence.

Staff also support child centred visits (which a father spends one to one with his child) by being around to help fathers make the best use of the time and by providing lunch for mothers.

In 2006, staff at the Magilligan Visitors’ Centre won a “Crystal Heart”, awarded by the Partners of Prisoners & Families organisation for their work to help families maintain relationships with relatives in prison.  The centre was also commended by the NI Criminal Justice Inspectorate.

CEO Olwen Lyner with the award winning Magilligan Visitors' Centre staff.