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Where Can I Get Support?

There are many organisations that offer support to families affected by imprisonment. 

CIRCLE 

0131 552 0305 

Circle is a Scottish Charity working at the heart of deprived communities across Scotland.  One Service provided is for parents at risk of imprisonment or in prison who have children under 16. In the areas we work we offer direct support in the prison and in the community.   Open: Monday to Thursday 9am–5pm and Fridays 9am–4pm    

FAMILIES OUTSIDE

0800 254 0088 (Free phone helpline)
    
When a partner or relative goes to prison, it can be a very difficult time. Families Outside is a national charity who offers an independent support service for families and friends of prisoners. The Families Outside helpline helps and supports families who have any questions or concerns  
Open: Monday to Friday 9am–5pm.  Out with these times, there is an answering service. Support is also available via email and text: Email; support@familiesoutside.org.uk Text service; Text Famout followed by your message to 60777  

For more information on the help and support Famillies Outside provide, please select the following link Famillies Outside Information Sheet

PARENTLINE SCOTLAND

0800 028 2233 (Free from a landline, mobile charges vary)

For any parent or carer in Scotland who needs information or simply someone to talk to. It offers support and guidance on problems including bullying, problems with teenagers, physical and sexual abuse, and dealing with difficult behavior.
Open: Tues, Wed, Thur 9am-10pm; Mon, Fri 9am-5pm; Sat and Sun 12pm-8pm Festive hours: 24th December 2013 - 2nd January 2014 (inclusive) 10am-2pm    

LONE PARENT HELPLINE

0808 801 0323 (Free from a landline, mobile charges vary)

For any single parent needing information or advice, including personalised benefit calculations, information about returning to work and childcare, factsheets and local sources of help.
Open: Mon to Fri 9.30am-4.30pm    

SAMARITANS

08457 909 090 (landlines charged at local rate, mobile charges vary)

Emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide.
Open: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week    

SCOTTISH DOMESTIC ABUSE HELPLINE

0800 027 1234 (Free from a landline, mobile charges vary)

Phone the Scottish domestic abuse helpline for information and support. Calls are answered by women with training in all aspects of domestic abuse. Records of calls will not appear on phone bills.
Open: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 

BREATHING SPACE

0800 83 85087 (Free from a landline, mobile charges vary) 

Feeling down, depressed, worried or anxious and need to talk to someone during the evening or night? Call Breathing Space.
Open: Mon to Fri, 6pm-2am; weekends 6pm-6am      

SCOTTISH FAMILIES AFFECTED BY ALCOHOL & DRUGS

08080 10 10 11 (Freephone)

Behind every person misusing substances is a family. Scottish Families is a national charity dedicated to supporting families affected by substance misuse. Scottish Families offer a confidential helpline with information on support for you and your family.
Open: Mon to Fri, 9am-11pm; Sat - Sun 5pm-11pm. Outwith these times there is also a voicemail service available and you can also email: helpline@sfad.org.uk or access a confidential webchat on their website www.sfad.orrg.uk

POVERTY TRUTH COMMISSION

The Poverty Truth Commission brings together some of Scotland's key decision makers with those living at the sharp end of poverty. They support people living in poverty to have the confidence to speak and people in positions of power to have the confidence to listen. To find out more, visit: www.faithincommunityscotland.org/poverty-truth-commission

AL-ANON FAMILY GROUPS

020 7403 0888

Members are all kinds of people from all walks of life, wives, husbands, lovers, sisters, brothers, children and parents. No matter what our relationship we share a common bond: we feel our lives have been deeply affected by another person’s drinking. We meet together for mutual support sharing our experience, strength and hope. http://www.al-anonuk.org.uk/ 

VOCAL

Their FSA service is designed specifically to address the needs of family members and friends of people using Drugs or Alcohol  and provides a range of free and confidential practical and emotional support in both one to one and group settings.

Referrals or self referrals can be made online through their secure referral form at www.vocal.org.uk, by telephone on 0131 622 6262 or by post to VOCAL, 8-13 Johnston Terrace, Edinburgh, EH1 2PW.  All carers will be receive an information pack and the offer of one to one support.

As the Scottish Prison Service does not maintain these websites, we are not responsible for their content.

HELP WITH PRISON VISITS

https://www.gov.uk/help-with-prison-visits

Help With Prison Visits can provide support with the cost of visiting someone in prison. There is an easy online application on the link above. They can help towards one visit every two weeks and payment can be received at a post office or payment to your bank account. Full details and the electronic application form is available on the link provided. SPS staff will assist with stamping your confirmation form when attending a visit.