Staying in touch matters, and there’s genuine support in Northern Ireland to help make it easier – here’s what to know.
Booking a visit. Visits are booked directly with the prison holding your loved one. Each of the three prisons runs its own booking process and visiting times, so it’s best to contact the specific prison, or check the Northern Ireland Prison Service’s website, for exact details.
Visitor centres. NIACRO runs Visitor Centre Services at all three Northern Ireland prisons, offering a welcoming space before a visit, along with practical support and someone to talk to. NIACRO’s Family Links service goes further still – offering practical and emotional support to families, help with transport, benefits, money management, and keeping children connected to a parent in prison.
Help with the cost. If you’re on a low income or certain benefits, the Prison Visits Scheme can help with travel costs – covering rail, bus, car, taxi or even air travel, with up to two visits every 28 days. You’ll need to apply with tickets or receipts and a prison-stamped confirmation slip, and this scheme is also open to family living in England, Wales or Scotland who are visiting a Northern Ireland prison.
Sending money. Property or money can be sent to a prisoner through the prison directly, or paid online – the Northern Ireland Prison Service’s website has details on how to make a payment to a specific prisoner.