A CHARITY is seeking new volunteers to help support families and children of prisoners at a County Durham prison.

Nepacs, which has worked across the region for more than 135 years, is looking for new recruits to help at HMYOI Deerbolt at Startforth, near Barnard Castle.

HMYOI Deerbolt is a category C young offenders’ establishment catering for male young offenders between the ages of 18 and 21.

The charity is giving anyone interested in volunteering the chance to come along to their volunteer open days on September 24, between 10am to 1pm at a coffee shop in Barnard Castle and October 1, between 11am to 4pm, at the prison’s visitors centre.

Those attending will hear about the different volunteering opportunities available and be able to chat to existing volunteers with some cake and refreshments.

Those interested in volunteering will then have the chance to sign up on the day.

Nepacs is looking for volunteers to help in the visitors’ centre and play areas at the prison, and to support their family support programme.

Emma Price, Nepacs’ volunteer coordinator, said: “Our team of volunteers are dedicated to helping prisoners’ families and children across the North East, but we need more volunteers to ensure we can offer the best support possible.

“The impact of imprisonment on children and families can be devastating and visiting prison for the first time can be quite difficult and sometimes distressing.

“We would like to invite anyone interested in volunteering to join with us and share in our experience of providing a warm and friendly environment for families visiting 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.

“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.

“You may have wondered what goes on at HMYOI Deerbolt. This is a chance to find out more and support families who are visiting their relatives in very difficult circumstances. Volunteering in a prison environment can be rewarding for all and is often a valuable experience for younger volunteers who may be considering a career in the justice system.”

The Deerbolt visitors’ centre team are looking for people who have a few hours to volunteer on Thursday, Saturday or Sundays, with each shift lasts about four hours.

The family support team are seeking volunteers to help out Monday to Thursday.

To book onto the open days contact Ms Price by emailing eprice@nepacs.co.uk or calling 0191-3757278. For more information about the charity visit nepacs.co.uk