Keeping in Contact

Prison can be a lonely and isolating experience, not just for the prisoner but also for family members at home. Maintaining contact with someone while they are in prison can have a positive impact on their chances of reintegrating and re-establishing their lives and relationships when they leave prison.

There are different ways to keep in contact with someone in prison, depending on where they are located. Letters, emails, phone calls, video calls, even WhatsApp may be an option for keeping in touch with someone while they are in prison overseas. See our country/region specific page to find out the different ways you can keep in touch depending on where the person is in prison.

Remember that it can be difficult for family members to remain in contact with their relative in prison. Anger, disappointment and shame can make supporting them difficult. If you find yourself feeling like this do not put pressure on yourself; your feelings may change over time and you may feel better able to be in contact when the initial shock has subsided.

It does not make you a bad person if you do not feel able to engage with them. The ICPO is a source of contact for them and may be able to organise another form of contact for them, such as a penfriend.