POPS (Partners of Prisoners & Families Support Group), is a user-led organisation, supporting families through their contact with the criminal justice system as a result of a loved one’s conviction. We aim to help individuals overcome stigma, understand their identity, build self-confidence/skills and contribute to a more cohesive society.

POPS’ work:

§  strengthens and rebuilds family ties

§  creates safe spaces for families and under-represented communities to speak out about the issues affecting them

§  increases public awareness of the impact of the criminal justice system on family life

§  builds strong links with communities

§  advocates for changes in public policy and commissioning

POPS provides a range of prison-based and community-focused services, including:

§  Court-based family support

§  Family Support Services delivered at 13 prisons across the North-West and Yorkshire

§  ‘Through the Gate’ support for people in prison and their families across Merseyside and Greater Manchester

§  Community-based support for women through the Farida Women’s Centre (Oldham)

§  Community-based support for men on probation through the Welfare Programme (Oldham & Manchester);

§  Prison and community-based education programmes including POPS’ ‘Fresh Start for Families’ course

§  Awareness training for professionals

§  Community-based interventions for prisoners from BAME backgrounds

§  Advocacy and support for under-represented communities.

POPS are committed to building a continuum of care to support families at every step of their journey through the criminal justice system.