Families Outside

Families Outside We work to improve outcomes for anyone affected by imprisonment in Scotland. Need support? Call our Helpline - 0800 254 0088

Families Outside is the only national charity in Scotland that works solely to support families of people involved in the criminal justice system. We work to mitigate the effects of imprisonment on children and families - consequently reducing the likelihood of reoffending - through support and information for families and for the people who work with them.

Families affected by imprisonment should not have to face difficult times alone. đź’™The impact of imprisonment can be sign...
10/10/2026

Families affected by imprisonment should not have to face difficult times alone. đź’™

The impact of imprisonment can be significant for families. Feelings of isolation, worry, uncertainty and stress can all affect mental health and wellbeing.

For some families, knowing who to turn to for support can be difficult. That’s why our work at Families Outside is so important: we listen, provide information and help families find a way forward.

One person we supported told us:

“Thank you so much. I felt so alone and uncertain and talking to you has been so helpful and reassuring. I feel so much better for it and I am so grateful. I just didn’t know who to turn to and you have really helped.”

This Challenge Poverty Week, we’re standing up for mental health and recognising the importance of ensuring families affected by imprisonment have access to the support they need.



The Poverty Alliance

Children affected by imprisonment must be part of the conversation on child poverty. đź’™The Scottish Government has recogn...
08/10/2026

Children affected by imprisonment must be part of the conversation on child poverty. đź’™

The Scottish Government has recognised families of people in prison as a group at risk of poverty. Yet, Scotland is falling short of the child poverty targets it has set.

When a parent or loved one is imprisoned, families can face lost income, housing instability and significant additional costs, including travel, childcare, phone calls, fuel and legal fees.

For children, these pressures can have a direct impact on their everyday lives and opportunities.

Our Paying the Price report highlights the financial burden imprisonment can place on families and why their experiences must be recognised when tackling child poverty.

This Challenge Poverty Week, we’re calling for the voices of families affected by imprisonment to be part of the conversation, and for action that reduces the financial pressures they face.

đź“– Read our Paying the Price report here: https://ow.ly/MUsA50ZOIYv



The Poverty Alliance

Not sure if there's support for your situation? Come and find out today!Empower Aberdeen is a chance to meet organisatio...
07/10/2026

Not sure if there's support for your situation? Come and find out today!

Empower Aberdeen is a chance to meet organisations from across the city, ask questions and discover the advice, support, grants and services available to you.

Free entry. No booking required.

No one should have to choose between heating their home and putting food on the table. đź’™For families affected by impriso...
06/10/2026

No one should have to choose between heating their home and putting food on the table. đź’™

For families affected by imprisonment, financial pressures can be particularly difficult.

When someone goes to prison, families can face changes to household income while also taking on additional costs, from travelling to visit a loved one to maintaining family connections.

Our Financial Impact Report found that imprisonment can have a significant financial impact on families, with the costs extending far beyond the prison sentence itself.

For some families, these pressures can mean difficult choices about which essentials they can afford.

This Challenge Poverty Week, we’re highlighting the importance of ensuring families affected by imprisonment have the financial security they need to stay warm, fed and connected.

No family should be pushed into poverty because someone they love is in prison.



The Poverty Alliance

Social security should provide a foundation for all of us. đź’™For families affected by imprisonment, a family member going...
05/10/2026

Social security should provide a foundation for all of us. đź’™

For families affected by imprisonment, a family member going to prison can bring significant financial changes and uncertainty.

Household income can change, bills and travel costs can add up, and families may need to navigate complex questions about benefits and financial support, often at an already difficult time.

At Families Outside, we support families to understand their rights, access information and find the help available to them.

This Challenge Poverty Week, we’re highlighting the importance of a social security system that provides people with the support they need to live with dignity and security.

Families affected by imprisonment should not be pushed further into poverty because of someone else’s imprisonment.



The Poverty Alliance

đź’™ Families Outside is proud to support Week 2026.Across Scotland, too many families are being pushed into hardship, in...
05/10/2026

đź’™ Families Outside is proud to support Week 2026.

Across Scotland, too many families are being pushed into hardship, including those affected by imprisonment. This week we’ll be sharing stories, insights, and resources to highlight the challenges families face and the change that’s needed.

👉 Find out more about the campaign: https://www.povertyalliance.org/cpw/

The Poverty Alliance

You don’t have to face it alone. 💙If someone in your family is in prison, you might have questions, worries or simply ne...
02/10/2026

You don’t have to face it alone. 💙

If someone in your family is in prison, you might have questions, worries or simply need someone to talk to.

Our Helpline is here to provide information, advice and support to families affected by imprisonment.

You can get in touch by phone or email:

đź“ž 0800 254 0088
📧 [email protected]

🚨 Final call to apply!Our Project & Partnership Lead vacancy is closing soon.Join Families Outside and help us build str...
01/10/2026

🚨 Final call to apply!

Our Project & Partnership Lead vacancy is closing soon.

Join Families Outside and help us build strong partnerships, support our work with families affected by imprisonment and contribute to meaningful change.

If you’ve been thinking about applying, now is the time!

đź’™ Find out more about the role and apply: https://ow.ly/ehgY50ZOoj9

Not sure where to turn for help? Come along to Empower Aberdeen and speak to organisations offering free support with ev...
29/09/2026

Not sure where to turn for help? Come along to Empower Aberdeen and speak to organisations offering free support with everything from money and housing to health, wellbeing, work and more.
đź“Ť Music Hall, Aberdeen
📅 Wednesday 7 October, 10am–2pm
Free entry – just drop in.

What happens next? đź’™When someone you love is sent to prison, there can be so many questions. What happens now? What can ...
28/09/2026

What happens next? đź’™

When someone you love is sent to prison, there can be so many questions. What happens now? What can you expect? And where can you turn for support?

What Happens Next? is a resource created by families, for families, sharing practical information and experiences to help families navigate what comes after someone is imprisoned.

Created with the voices and experiences of families at its heart, it covers some of the questions you may have and helps you understand what to expect.

đź“– Read What Happens Next? and find out more: https://ow.ly/uiIJ50ZOmSK

Address

17 Gayfield Square
Edinburgh
EH13NX

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+448002540088

Website

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