Support for adults
Changes to prison release arrangements can affect people in different ways.
You may be seeking support for yourself, helping a family member or friend, or supporting someone professionally. You may have questions or concerns about what these changes mean.
At Victim Support, we provide free emotional support, practical guidance and access to specialist services for adults affected by crime.
We can:
- Provide a safe, non-judgemental space to talk about how you’re feeling.
- Offer emotional support if you’re struggling to cope.
- Help you understand what support may be available.
- Provide practical guidance and information.
- Help you access further specialist services where appropriate.
- Support family members and loved ones who may also be affected.
Whether you choose to call our Offender Release Helpline, or contact us in a different way, we’ll listen and work with you to help you find the support that’s right for you.
Important: We cannot tell you whether a particular offender is affected by changes to prison release arrangements or provide information about an individual case.
In some circumstances, you may be able to receive ongoing support from a Victim Support caseworker.
A caseworker can help you explore your concerns, identify the support that’s right for you and work with you over a longer period of time if needed.
The support available will vary depending on your circumstances and where you live.
To refer yourself, or someone you know, to our services, you can complete our online referral form.
Changes to prison release arrangements can affect family members, partners, friends and carers as well as victims.
If you’re supporting someone who’s been affected, you may be unsure what to say or how best to help. It may help to remember that everyone responds differently, and there is no right or wrong way for them to feel.
The person you support may feel:
- worried or frightened
- upset or angry
- confused about what the changes mean
- frustrated that things have changed
- overwhelmed by uncertainty
Their feelings may also change over time.
How can I support someone?
You do not need to have all the answers.
Often, the most helpful thing you can do is listen and give someone space to talk about how they’re feeling.
You could:
- Give them time and space to express their feelings.
- Acknowledge that what they’re experiencing is difficult.
- Avoid putting pressure on them to react in a certain way.
- Encourage them to seek support if they need it.
- Help them find reliable information.
Looking after yourself
Supporting someone else can be emotionally difficult.
You may find that conversations about prison release arrangements bring up your own worries, frustrations or concerns.
Taking care of your own wellbeing matters too. This could mean talking to someone you trust, taking time to rest, or seeking support for yourself if you need it.
Yes – we welcome contact from professionals who are supporting someone affected by crime and are concerned about changes to prison release arrangements.
Professionals can also contact the helpline for advice about available support, referral options and the services that may be appropriate for a victim affected by changes to prison release arrangements.
If you’re feeling worried, overwhelmed or would like to talk to someone, our Offender Release Helpline advisers are here to listen.
We can provide emotional support, practical guidance and help you access further support if needed.
Call: 0808 168 9280
Start a Live Chat.
More support online
My Support Space is our free app for people affected by crime. It includes practical advice, coping techniques and wellbeing resources that may be helpful for both victims and those supporting them.
