Compassionate support for families navigating the criminal justice system. Whether you need guidance, advocacy, or a safe space, we are here to support you.
Our mission is to provide the support that families need to cope and to thrive.
A message from our Director
Lynn Kelly
Support for visiting families, families unable to visit and for individuals without family contact.
Information, practical advice and relationship support for individuals on probation and their families.
Supporting, safeguarding and empowering women through life’s challenges’.
Child-friendly resources to help children with a family member in prison to understand the criminal justice system.
Training to enhance understanding and support for families experiencing the criminal justice system.
At POPS, we believe that families affected by the criminal justice system should not only be supported but also heard. Your lived experience is powerful—it can shape policy, improve support services, and provide guidance to others facing similar challenges.
Through our advocacy and volunteering opportunities, you can play an active role in driving real change. Whether it’s joining our family forums, contributing to peer support networks, participating in campaigns for justice reform, or becoming a Trustee, your voice matters. By getting involved, you can help build a stronger, more inclusive support system while empowering others with your knowledge and experience. Together, we can break stigma, raise awareness, and create a better future for families navigating the justice system.
“The first visit was the hardest, but with the help of POPS we navigated the hard times for four years and are now slowly building toward our shared future with a positive frame of mind”
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Stay informed with the latest updates from POPS. Here, we share news, stories, research, and insights that highlight the challenges faced by families affected by the criminal justice system and the work being done to support them. From policy updates and advocacy efforts to real-life experiences and expert opinions, this space is dedicated to amplifying voices, driving change, and keeping you connected to the latest developments in family support and justice reform.
At POPS, families have always been at the heart of everything we do. For decades, we’ve walked alongside families affected by the criminal justice system, making sure they feel seen, supported, and empowered. As our work has grown, so too has our identity. That’s why...
Today I am sharing with you all, the news that I have taken the decision to step down from my position as CEO at POPS. When I joined POPS in 1995, it was a very small team, basically it was the founder Farida Anderson MBE, myself, and a part-time administrator. Being...
Thanks to all the families who made the recent Family Day at HMP Garth such a success! POPS’ staff were on hand to provide support and join in the fun! If you are interested in taking part in a future Family Day contact POPS’ Family Support Lead for more...