A NORTH-East charity supporting prisoners and their families is launching a new court support project.

Nepacs, which already runs the service in Teesside and Durham, is extending it to Newcastle Crown Court.

The service aims to give support and information to anyone attending court to accompany a family member or friend facing custody.

Last year the courts teams in Teesside and Durham supported more than 1,700 defendants’ families and friends.

Helen Attewell, Nepacs’ chief executive, said: “We are delighted to be launching this service at Newcastle Crown Court, thanks to the additional funding generously donated, as it will enable us to offer support to even more families going through a very difficult time.

“Every year thousands of families experience court proceedings and the impact of a custodial sentence despite never having being involved in or committed a crime. From the moment of arrest and throughout the court process families are at risk of social isolation and stigma which can affect their emotional, physical, financial and social wellbeing.

“For those families who are unfamiliar with the judicial system or who are unprepared this can be a distressing time. Our dedicated team on the ground offer a listening ear, a helping hand and friendly support to help make things a little easier.”

The charity’s annual general meeting takes place on Thursday, November 9 at Durham Marriott Hotel Royal County, in Old Elvet, at 3.30pm.

Guest speakers are Anne Fox, chief executive of Clinks and Lord Michael Farmer, chair of the recently published review into strengthening family ties and its impact on reoffending, which includes evidence from prisons in the region.

Email training@nepacs.co.uk or telephone 0191 332 3810 to register a place.