Support for people visiting prisoners

Visiting someone you know in prison can be a stressful experience. There is support available to help with any difficulties for adults and children.

Getting to prison

A free taxi service is available on visit days between Moira Train station and Maghaberry Visitors’ Welcome Centre.

The taxi service leaves Moira train station at 10.05 am returning at 12.45 pm, and also leaving Moira train station at 1.35 pm returning at 4.45 pm (Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday).

A NIPS Bus is available on visit days (Wednesday, Friday and Saturday) between Bellarena train station and Magilligan Visitors’ Welcome Centre.

The bus collects visitors at 10.00 am and leaves them back for the 1.00 pm train. In the afternoon, it collects visitors at 1.00 pm and 2.00 pm leaving them back in time for the 4.00 pm train.

These are free services, which must be booked on the special assistance screen online or by speaking with a member of booking staff before travelling. When you are arranging your visit, you will need to tell NIACRO staff on site.

Magilligan Visitors’ Welcome Centre 028 7775 0415
Hydebank Wood Visitor’s Welcome Centre 028 9067 2366
Maghaberry Visitors’ Welcome Centre 028 9261 1213

Children visiting relatives in prison

If you are concerned about how your child is coping or would like information about what to tell them about prison you can get help and support.

Contacts if you are concerned about a child visitor
Organisation	Phone number
Barnardo’s Parenting Matters	028 9064 4335
NIACRO Family Links	028 9032 0157

You can also contact Prison Welcome Centres or family support officers

Concerns about someone in prison

If you are concerned about the well-being of a relative or friend in prison, you should provide the prison with information so that staff can pay particular attention to that person.

Your concerns may include issues such as threats of suicide or self-harm, depression, anxiety problems, medication requirements, drug or alcohol problems or bullying.

Should you wish to pass on any such information you should telephone the prison directly and ask to speak to the family officer or duty manager or talk to a member of staff at the Visitors’ Welcome Centre.

Support contacts
Prison	Contacts
Magilligan Visitors’ Welcome Centre	028 7775 0415
Magilligan Family Support Officer	028 7776 5375 or outside office hours 028 7776 3311
Hydebank Wood Visitor’s Welcome Centre	028 9025 3666
Maghaberry Visitors’ Welcome Centre	028 9261 1213
Maghaberry Family Support Office	028 9261 6067 028 9261 6068 outside office hours 028 9261 1888 NIPSMaghaberryFamilyOffice@justice-ni.gov.uk

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Support for people visiting prisoners

Getting to prison

Children visiting relatives in prison

Contacts if you are concerned about a child visitor

Concerns about someone in prison

Support contacts

Help improve this page - send your feedback

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What to do next

Carer's Allowance

Discretionary support / Short-term benefit advance

Disability Living Allowance

Employment and Support Allowance

Jobseeker’s Allowance

Personal Independence Payment