My husband is in prison – would a peer support group be helpful for others in this situation?

[prisonfamiliesadvocate]

Hi everyone – I hope it’s okay to post this here.

My husband is in prison in the UK, and it's been a really isolating experience for my son and I. It often feels like there isn’t really a place where people in that situation can talk openly with others who understand.

Recently, my son has been wondering whether something like a small peer support group (either online or in-person in London) might be helpful for people who have a loved one in prison – just a confidential space to talk with others who really get it.

We are exploring the idea at the moment and would genuinely love to hear people’s thoughts. Is that something anyone here might find helpful?

Feel free to comment here or send me a private message if that’s easier. Thank you!

It sounds like a brilliant idea op. Well done for posting here and I hope you meet with no hostility. I am not needing this sort of group right now, but none of us know how situations can change. I'm sure you are aware of the Samaritans. No one has to be suicidal to call and a lot of prisoners themselves and their families do call to talk through issues.

There’s a brilliant organisation in the north east called nepacs that supports prisoner’s families.
I realise you said you’re in London, but I wondered if they could signpost you to a similar organisation near you, or advise you on setting up a group.

Thank you so much for your very kind words! Yes, we are aware of Samaritans but have been exploring something more specific to families in these types of situations

Nepacs looks very helpful, thank you!