DIRECTORIES
Are you serving an IPP sentence, or have a loved one who is?
Here, we list places that might be able to help you with problems that people tell us they often experience during the sentence.
WHERE WE ARE AND WHERE WE ARE GOING
We appreciate that it can be difficult to know where to start with getting support. We have chosen to highlight the main directories that bring together different sources of help, and summarise them for you, so you know where to start looking.
We have also listened to what you tell us are common problems, and listed some specific places that might help you with those problems.
Our next goal is to develop a support directory that is specifically tailored to people serving IPP sentences, and their loved ones. We are talking to organisations to make sure that they understand the problems of the sentence and can provide the right support. We will also try to make sure we provide localised information where possible.
Has somewhere really helped you with the problems caused by your or your loved one’s sentence?
CLINKS DIRECTORY
Clinks have a directory with over 800 organisations that support people whose lives are impacted by the criminal justice system. It covers a very wide range of problems, and you will almost certainly find something relevant to you. You can search by location, and by whether they help people in custody or community. The best way to start is by using their search box and type in the problem you need help with. They also list organisations who specialise in helping people from ethnic minority backgrounds.
THE INFORMATION HUB
Run by Unlock, this directory has a wide range of self-help information about how to tackle issues related to having a criminal record. It is particularly good for understanding how a criminal record might affect a return to everyday life (e.g. housing; jobs; travelling; education; getting ID; getting insurance), and how to overcome barriers that are caused by having a record.
PRISON REFORM TRUST DIRECTORY
The Prison Reform Trust directory lists a range of organisations who can help with criminal justice related issues. The list is aimed particularly at the families of prisoners and ex-prisoners, but is also useful for prisoners themselves. It covers things like emotional support; finding a prisoner; legal advice; resettlement advice and support; housing; mental health; mentoring; drugs and alcohol; gambling; gender identity; support for women; education; bereavement; help for prisoners aged over 50; and prison related campaigning.
Are you a person serving an IPP sentence, or a family member, feeling very distressed?
Sometimes picking up the phone to someone who understands can help. We suggest these places:
Here, we suggest sources of support for the particular problems that people serving IPP sentences tell us that they have.
FAMILY SUPPORT
Prisoners' families helpline offer support for families who have a loved one in contact with the criminal justice system.
GETTING ID
Unlock provide some information about gaining ID.
COUNSELLING/THERAPY
MIND are a mental health charity, and if you follow the above link you will find their guidance on how to find a counsellor/therapist, including options for those on low incomes.
MENTORING
Change Grow Live offer mentoring services to help people make changes and achieve their goals. They incorporate SOVA: an organisation with specialist experience in mentoring ex-prisoners.
WOMEN-SPECIFIC SERVICES
Wish provides advocacy, emotional support and practical guidance to women in prison and community settings.
WOMEN-SPECIFIC SERVICES
Working Chance help women leaving the criminal justice system into mainstream employment.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT UPON RELEASE FROM PRISON
The Hardman Directory lists grants that are available to ex-prisoners, and people newly leaving prison, to help with things like clothing, travel, childcare, equipment, and anything else that might help you resettle successfully.
INFORMATION AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Turn2Us offer information and financial support to help people get back on track after a crisis, life change, or ongoing problem.
RESETTLEMENT SUPPORT
NACRO are a national charity offering resettlement help and advice to people leaving prison. They have a resettlement advice helpline, which is open Mon-Thurs 9am-5pm, and Fri 1pm-5pm: 0300 123 1999
SUPPORT FOR RELEASE
New Bridge offer befriending services to people in prison, which offer support and preparation to rejoin the community. Befrienders regularly write to prisoners, creating bridges between the inside and the outside.
SUPPORT FOR BEREAVEMENT
If you've lost a loved one during the IPP sentence, Inquest provide specialist support for those bereaved by State inflicted deaths.