General Advice

• Citizens Advice (England and Wales)

Provides free, impartial and confidential advice on areas such as benefits, debt, housing, healthcare, etc.

England 03444 111 444

Wales 03444 77 20 20

www.citizensadvice.org.uk

• Advice.Scot (Scotland)

Helpline: 0808 800 9060

www.advice.scot  

• Families Outside (Scotland)

The only national charity in Scotland that works solely to support the families of people affected by imprisonment. They work to mitigate the effects of imprisonment on children and families through support and information for families.

Helpline: 0800 254 0088

www.familiesoutside.org.uk

• Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and its worldwide network of Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates, can provide help and information to British nationals arrested overseas. 

Further information can be found in this guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/arrest-or-detention/arrested-abroad-advice-for-british-nationals

And information about specific countries can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/help-if-you-are-arrested-abroad/y 

• Irish Council for Prisoners Overseas (Northern Ireland)

Supports Irish prisoners detained in the UK and overseas; they also provide family support.

ROI: (00 353) 1505 3156

UK: 020 7482 5528

www.icpo.ie 

• MediaWise

Provides free, confidential advice and assistance for members of the public affected by inaccurate, intrusive, or sensational media coverage.

Telephone: 07968 031 532

www.mediawise.org.uk

• Prisoners' Families Helpline

A free and confidential service which offers practical and emotional support, information and advice to anyone who is affected by imprisonment, in a straightforward, non-judgemental way.

Helpline: 0808 808 2003

https://www.prisonersfamilies.org/