Cash boost for prison charity
Young people in the North East with a parent in prison are being offered a specialist support service, thanks to cash from a police chief.
Nepacs – the North East Prison After Car Society – has been given a £15,000 grant by Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness and other charitable donations to support eight to 17-year-olds who are experiencing feelings of isolation, trauma and distress as a result their of parent being in prison.
Aelred Robinson, Nepacs’ youth project coordinator, said: “When a child experiences the imprisonment of a parent or close family member, they become subject to their own ‘hidden sentence’ which brings feelings of isolation, shame, confusion and abandonment without someone who can readily provide answers or a listening ear.
"This experience can have a significant impact on mental wellbeing and behaviour and, increasingly, young people are vulnerable to bullying and victimisation if other children find out details of their family member being in prison through social media.”
MsMc Guinness said :" This project is about engaging with young people, guiding them through the process and their emotions – the shock, sadness and confusion. We know how important family is in a child's upbringing, so I am delighted to be able to support this work which will be incredibly welcome during those challenging times of not having a parent or relative around.”
More information on the Nepacs’ youth project, including details of trips planned for the summer, can be found at www.nepacs.co.uk or email youth@nepacs.co.uk to access support.