Our family centre is open two days a week: on Tuesdays from 12 noon till 3pm, for women affected by the imprisonment of a family member; and on Wednesdays from 12 noon till 3pm for those whose family member is soon to be, or has been, released from prison. 

A varied programme of activities and workshops is provided, including outings and activities for children during school holidays and half term. 

The kinds of activities we run include:

• group counselling sessions
• information on legal and prison matters
• creative activities (eg jewellery making, card making)
• pampering (eg massage, manicures)
• outings.

You can view the current Swan Centre programme and the current Outlook programme by clicking on these links.

It is also a chance to meet other people in the same situation, and to talk about prisons, prisoners and prison visits with no fear of being judged.  People make lasting and supportive friendships with others they have met at our family centre.

Information

Staff and volunteers are here to answer your questions and help you fill in forms if needed.  You can make an appointment to see a member of staff at other, quieter times for a more private conversation.

We also offer extra, one to one support on a regular basis if you feel you would like help with some of the things that you are finding particularly difficult.  You can get help with practical things or just have somebody you can talk to.

Outlook

The release of a prisoner is also a time of stress and readjustment for a family.  We do not end our contact with prisoners’ families after release because we know many of them still need support for many months after the prisoner comes home.