Nepacs support at court service - for families/friends of defendants

Nepacs is a north east charity which supports families and friends of anyone impacted by the criminal justice system - from the point of arrest, to courts, prison and then on release into the community.

The Nepacs support at court team of volunteers are available within the courts (Teesside, Newcastle and Durham Crown Courts) to provide relevant and up-to-date information on: prison visiting arrangements, ID, prison visits booking lines, maintaining contact with your family member and other issues relevant immediately after a prison sentence has been given and during the early stages of custody.

The courts team also offer a telephone befriending service which provides ongoing short term support to families, immediately following arrest of a loved one or during court hearings. This can help to alleviate worries and anxiety, at a time when family members are trying to cope with their changing circumstances. This telephone service is available to anyone whose loved one has been arrested or who is attending a court in the north east of England.

This service is confidential and free.

There is no need to be referred to this service.