Support Directory
Organisations offering support, advice, and information
The criminal justice system involves many organisations that provide support, advice, and information to defendants, families, victims, and professionals. This directory lists the most important, with a brief description of each.
For Defendants and Families
Prisoners' Families Helpline
Free helpline and information service for families of prisoners. Advice on visiting, maintaining contact, and practical support. Tel: 0808 808 2003.
Prison Reform Trust
Charity working to improve prison conditions and reduce unnecessary imprisonment. Publishes the Bromley Briefings factfile on the prison system.
Nacro
Social justice charity providing support with housing, employment, education, and resettlement after prison. Resettlement helpline: 0300 123 1999.
Unlock
Charity for people with convictions. Advice on disclosure, employment, insurance, and managing a criminal record under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
PACT (Prison Advice and Care Trust)
Supports prisoners, people with convictions, and their families. Runs visitor centres and family services at prisons across England and Wales.
The Shannon Trust
Charity that helps prisoners learn to read through a peer mentoring programme. Active in most prisons in England and Wales.
For Victims
Victim Support
Free, confidential support for victims and witnesses of crime. Available 24/7. Tel: 0808 168 9111.
Victims' Commissioner
Independent appointment who reviews and promotes the interests of victims and witnesses in the criminal justice system.
Paladin (National Stalking Advocacy Service)
Specialist service supporting victims of stalking. Provides advocacy and safety planning.
Refuge
National charity supporting women and children experiencing domestic abuse. Runs the National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247.
Legal and Policy
Sentencing Council
Independent body that publishes definitive sentencing guidelines for all criminal courts in England and Wales. Guidelines cover individual offences and overarching principles.
Howard League for Penal Reform
Charity working for less crime and safer communities through reform of the penal system. Runs a legal advice line for young people in prison.
Justice
Human rights organisation working to strengthen the justice system. Publishes research and policy recommendations on criminal justice reform.
Criminal Law Solicitors Association (CLSA)
Representative body for criminal law solicitors. Campaigns on legal aid, practice issues, and access to justice.
Criminal Bar Association
Represents barristers practising in criminal law. Campaigns on funding, working conditions, and the administration of criminal justice.
Official Resources
GOV.UK Criminal Justice
Government information on courts, sentencing, prisons, probation, and the criminal justice system.
Legislation.gov.uk
The official database of UK legislation. The authoritative source for the text of all Acts of Parliament and Statutory Instruments.
Sentencing.uk
Sentencing reference platform with offence-specific guidelines, a guilty plea calculator, glossary, legislation pages, and comparisons.
Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)
The principal prosecuting authority for England and Wales. Publishes legal guidance, charging standards, and case outcomes.
Parole Board
Independent body that assesses prisoners for release on licence. Decides whether prisoners serving indeterminate and extended sentences can safely be released.
Missing from This List?
If you represent an organisation that should be included in this directory, please get in touch. We aim to keep this directory as complete and up-to-date as possible.