What is Family Links?
Family Links offers practical and emotional support, advocacy and advice to families and children who have a family member in prison.
Since 1987, we have supported around 1,500 families annually across Northern Ireland. Family Links aims to reduce re-offending through effective resettlement, divert children and young people from offending, lessen the impact of imprisonment on families through holistic support, promote desistance, and support safer custody by fostering good mental health in prison.
The project receives funding from the Northern Ireland Prison Service, the Strategic Planning & Performance Group (SPPG) and the Western Health and Social Care Trust.
How can Family Links help me?
Family Links offers practical and emotional support, contacting families within 48 hours of a referral from their relative in prison. If accepted, families receive an information pack. The team provides guidance on prison visits, contacting relatives, transport, benefits, money management, school engagement, and accessing services.
A recent survey showed 98% user satisfaction, with all respondents finding Family Links staff friendly, helpful, and reliable.
How do I get support?
People in prison can make a referral by talking to the Family Links Project Worker in the prison or families can contact the team directly for support.
For more information, please contact us.