Families Outside

17/08/2026

💙 Talking to children about imprisonment can be difficult, and it can be hard to know where to start.

We have a range of resources on our website to help you approach conversations with children about imprisonment in a way that feels right for you and your family.

And if you have questions or would like to learn more, our Helpline is here to support you.

🔗 Explore our resources and find out more: https://ow.ly/g7k150ZyYqO

13/08/2026

🎥 New video now live!

Visiting someone in prison can feel overwhelming, especially if it's your first time. That's why we've created a brand new video introducing the National Prison Visitors' Service and the support available to help make your visit a little easier.

Watch the video to find out how the teams can help you feel more prepared, informed and supported every step of the way. 💙

📽️ Watch the video here: https://vimeo.com/1213542631

Please share with anyone who might find it helpful.

Visiting someone in prison can feel overwhelming, especially if it's your first time. This video explains how the National Prison Visitors' Service supports families with practical information, guidance and a warm welcome to help make prison visits a little easier.

12/08/2026

💙 Need support because someone in your family is in prison?

Our Helpline is here for families affected by imprisonment. You can get in touch with us for information, advice and support, whether you’re looking for practical help or simply someone to talk to.

Call us or get in touch by email, we’re here to help. 💙

11/08/2026

📢 Our Helpline will be closed this afternoon.

You can still contact us by email at [email protected], or visit our website for information and support.

Thank you for your understanding. 💙

03/08/2026

🎭 The Edinburgh Festival Fringe starts this week!

Did you know there are free shows taking place throughout the festival? It’s a great way to experience some of the fun and excitement of the Fringe without the price tag.

Find out more about the free shows available here:

Free Shows at the Edinburgh Fringe every August: 100's of comedy, cabaret, music, theatre and childrens shows for the price of none. A huge and exciting part of the annual Edinburgh Fringe Festival!

29/07/2026

🏠 What is Home Detention Curfew (HDC)?

Home Detention Curfew, sometimes known as electronic tagging, allows some people to leave prison before the end of their sentence, subject to certain conditions.

Our information sheet explains more about HDC, including who may be eligible, how it works and what families need to know.

📚 Find out more:
https://www.familiesoutside.org.uk/publications/information-sheets/home-detention-curfew-hdc/

28/07/2026

🎥 New video now live!

Visiting someone in prison can feel overwhelming, especially if it's your first time. That's why we've created a brand new video introducing the National Prison Visitors' Service and the support available to help make your visit a little easier.

Watch the video to find out how the teams can help you feel more prepared, informed and supported every step of the way. 💙

📽️ Watch the video here: https://vimeo.com/1213542631

Please share with anyone who might find it helpful.

Prison Visitors' Centres in Scotland
Cyrenians
The Croft Visitors' Centre, HMP Barlinnie
Early Years Scotland
Apex Scotland
Forth Valley Inclusion
CrossReach
GBT Shotts Healthy Living Centre.
Reconnect Scotland CIC
Barnardo's

Visiting someone in prison can feel overwhelming, especially if it's your first time. This video explains how the National Prison Visitors' Service supports families with practical information, guidance and a warm welcome to help make prison visits a little easier.

27/07/2026

“I am so appreciative that we were able to reach out to your service… I know not everyone is aware of Families Outside.”

When a child or young person is affected by a family member's imprisonment, schools and professionals can play an important role in providing support.

Families Outside works with schools and professionals across Scotland to provide information, advice and support to help them understand and respond to the impact of imprisonment on children and families.

If you're a school or professional supporting a child affected by imprisonment, get in touch to find out more about how we can support you.

📩 Find out more: https://www.familiesoutside.org.uk/

23/07/2026

❓ Have a question about imprisonment?

Our information sheets cover a wide range of topics, offering clear and practical information for families affected by imprisonment.

From prison visits and staying in touch to release and other aspects of the justice system, our resources are there to help you find the information you need.

Explore our information sheets and FAQs:

Use these information sheets to help you understand the process of being convicted, going to prison, and the effects on families.

22/07/2026

Last month, we came together for an insightful and collaborative day focused on improving support for young victims and their families. 💙

The “Celebrating Safe: Voices That Matter” event brought together multi-agency professionals from health and social care, youth justice, victim support services and education to celebrate four years of Safe delivering therapeutic services across communities in Scotland.

Throughout the day, we drew on the voices and experiences of young people and families to reflect on current practice and consider where further improvements can be made.

The morning included a presentation of the Safe Evaluation Report findings, while the afternoon provided space for reflection and discussion, including a creative reflective group activity using masks, delivered alongside staff from Fearless Scotland and Victim Support Scotland.

It was a valuable opportunity to share learning, celebrate achievements and continue working together to improve support for young victims and their families.