Many children visit a parent in prison. It is important to provide supervision and entertainment for them to allow their parents time to talk and to make the experience as positive as possible. Play workers need to be available for visits sessions.

What?

Play projects provide a variety of opportunities for children to have fun and be creative. These include face painting and craft activities, slides and climbing frames, puzzles, books and games. Many children who make use of the play areas will have experienced a great deal of emotional upset and instability in their lives and may exhibit challenging behaviour.

Who?

Anyone with experience of working with children either in an educational setting or in clubs or societies and able to give time on a regular basis.

How?

Contact your nearest prison (details from www.hmprisonservice.org.uk) and ask to speak to the Manager of the Visitors' Centre or the Voluntary Sector Co-ordinator. pact (Prison Advice and Care Trust) runs Visitors' Centres and other services at most of the prisons in London, and at several in Devon and Cornwall (See Addresses)