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If you need information on Scottish prisons, support or where to go for help |
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Scottish Prisoners Families Helpline – Tel: 0500 839383 |
Open: Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm |
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(Answer phone outside these hours) |
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A service for families and friends who have a relative in custody in Scotland. They may assist with many of the issues highlighted below. |
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If there are issues around drugs |
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ADFAM |
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Waterbridge House |
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32-36 Loman Street |
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London |
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SE1 0EE |
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Tel: 020 7928 8900 |
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National charity for families and friends of drugs users. Telephone helpline. |
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National Drugs Helpline |
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Tel: 0800 776600 (free phone) |
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Helpline for anyone concerned about drug or solvent misuse. |
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Open: 24 hours 7 days/week |
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Drug Line Scotland |
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Tel: 0800 587123 |
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If it was a serious crime |
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Aftermath |
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PO Box 414 |
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Sheffield |
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S4 7RT |
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Tel: 0114 275 8520 |
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Support for the families or people accused of serious offences. |
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If the prisoner is in custody abroad |
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Prisoners Abroad |
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89-93 Fonthill Road |
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Finsbury Park |
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London N4 3JH |
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Tel: 020 7561 6820 |
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If the prisoner is gay |
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Out-Side-In (UK wide service) |
PO Box 119 |
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Orpington |
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Kent BR6 9ZZ |
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Tel: 01689 835566 |
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Penpal & Befriending service for gay & lesbian prisoners. |
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If you think that a prisoner is at risk from suicide or self harm |
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Telephone the prison and ask to speak to the duty manager or the person in charge. |
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Telephone the Scottish Prisoners’ Families Helpline. |
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If the prisoner feels isolated or lonely or would like someone to talk with |
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HOPE |
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18 Stevenson Street |
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Glasgow G40 2ST |
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Tel: 0141 552 0229 |
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Visits prisoners & their families who are lonely or isolated. |
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Listener scheme |
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Most prisons offer a listener scheme where prisoners offer confidential support to other prisoners. They are trained by the Samaritans. Polmont YOI do not have listeners scheme. |
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When the prisoner is released |
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HOPE |
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18 Stevenson Street |
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Glasgow G40 2ST |
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Tel: 0141 552 0229 |
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Supports prisoners on their release. |
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SACRO |
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Provides support & information to released prisoners and those about to be released. They have offices throughout Scotland. Contact 0131 624 7270 for your nearest office. |
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APEX |
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Supports prisoners into employment on release. They have offices throughout Scotland. Contact 0131 220 0130 for your nearest office. |
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If you would like information about prisoners’ rights and conditions in prison |
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Prison Reform Trust |
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15 Northburgh St |
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London EC1V 0JR |
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Tel: 020 7251 5070 |
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Works for better conditions in prison. They can deal with enquiries about various aspects of imprisonment. |
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The Howard League for Penal Reform |
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Tel: 020 7249 7373 |
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Campaigns for a just and humane penal system. |
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If you believe the case to be a miscarriage of justice |
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MOJO (Miscarriages of Justice) |
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Contact: |
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The Miscarriages of Justice Organisation |
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52 Outmore Road |
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Sheldon |
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Birmingham B33 0XL |
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If you are feeling suicidal, depressed or in danger of self harming |
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The Samaritans |
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Tel: 01345 909090 (local rate) OR contact your local branch which will be in the phone book. |
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If you are depressed or anxious |
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Depression Alliance |
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35 Westminster Bridge Road |
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London SE1 7JB |
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Tel: 020 7633 0101 |
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Confidential listening & support service. |
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Open: Mon, Tues, Thurs: 6pm – 9pm |
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Scottish Association for Mental Health |
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(Information Line) |
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Tel: 0141 568 7000 |
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Monday – Friday 2pm – 4.30pm |
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E-Mail: enquire@samh.org.uk |
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www.samh.org.uk |
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If you have problems with housing |
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Shelter Helpline (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm): Tel: 0808 800 4444 |
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Shelter Prison Advice Line: Tel: 01224 643469 |
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If you are bringing up children alone |
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Parentline Scotland: Tel: 0808 800 2222 |
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Lone Parent Helpline: Tel: 0800 018 5026 |
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If there are issues with debt or you need financial support |
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Your local Citizens’ Advice Bureau can help with problems concerning housing, benefits, debt or welfare. It should be listed in the phone book. |
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If you need legal advice |
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Contact your solicitor. |
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Scottish Human Rights Centre |
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146 Holland Street |
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Glasgow G2 4NG |
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Tel: 0141 332 5960 |
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They provide basic advice and information on all human rights issues and implications of the Human Rights Act. Open: Mon-Fri 2pm– 5pm. |
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Scottish Child Law Centre |
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Tel: 0131 667 6333 |
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They provide advice & information on all aspects of all Scottish Law as it relates to the rights of children & young people. |
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If you are unhappy with press coverage of the case or are being asked to sell your story |
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Presswise |
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25 Easton Bus Centre |
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Felix Road |
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Bristol BS5 0HE |
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Tel: 0117 941 5889 |
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They provide advice & support to those affected by inaccurate or unfair press coverage and those considering selling stories. |
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If there are issues with domestic violence |
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Scottish Women’s Aid |
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Tel: 0131 475 2372 |
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Open: Mon-Fri 10am-4pm. |
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If you have a relative or friend in custody in England & Wales |
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Prisoners Families Helpline |
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Tel: 0808 808 2003 (free phone) |
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Open: Mon-Fri 10am-4.30pm; 6pm-8pm;
Sat 1pm-4pm. |
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If you need help with travel costs to prisons |
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Information is available from the Scottish Prisoners’ Families Helpline. |
THE SCOTTISH PRISON SERVICE IS AN AGENCY OF THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
