A CHARITY is looking for volunteers to support families and children visiting inmates at a North-East prison.

Nepacs, which runs the visitors’ centre at HMP Holme House in Stockton, is searching for people who will give up time to help in the visitors’ centre, tea bar, youth zone or play area.

Hilary Askin, Nepacs visitors’ centre manager at Holme House, said: “We have a fantastic team of staff and volunteers at Holme House, who help out in the visitors’ centre, tea bar, youth zone and play areas.

“Visiting prison for the first time can be quite difficult and sometimes distressing.

"Our team of staff and volunteers provide a friendly place to chat, have a cup of tea and can help to answer any questions or concerns that visitors may have about visiting prison or about their loved ones in prison.

"We greet people from all walks of life from near and far so it’s important that everyone is treated with respect, and feel welcome in a place and situation they may never have thought they would ever be.”

Anyone interested in volunteering with the Holme House team can contact Ms Askin on 01642 744304 or by email on haskin@nepacs.co.uk