A TELEPHONE helpline for prisoners' families is to be launched in the North-East.
The helpline, which is free and the first of its kind, aims to provide support and advice for relatives of prisoners in the region's jails.
Supporters say families are often left stranded when a loved one goes into prison and receive little guidance on where to go for help from the prison authorities.
The North East Prison After Care Society (NEPACS) is backing the helpline and its staff will be helping to co-ordinate calls in the North-East.
NEPACS will launch the helpline today at Low Newton Prison, Durham, where its members will be holding up a large banner with the new freephone number.
NEPACS manager Christine Blakey said: "We are very proud that NEPACS is to play such an important role to ensure that the needs of local people are met.
"It will be of enormous benefit to the many hundreds of families affected by the imprisonment of a loved one in the region."
Families can call free on 0808 808 2003 or go to www.prisonersfamilieshelpline.org.uk
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