YOU ARE VISITOR No. |
When
someone is sent to prison, family and friends have no chance to speak to
him - or, increasingly, her - before they are taken away. The family or
friends may have no idea where the person is being taken nor when they
will be seen again. Often the dependants may have financial
difficulties.
It can all seem very bleak at first as everything is new, and knowing where to begin is often the hardest part. That is why we are here, to help, support , advise and befriend. S.H.A.R.P exists for you....... Free and confidential help, advice, support and friendship is available for the relatives and friends of those serving sentences, awaiting trial or facing the prospect of legal action. Telephone helpline is available
9am - 9pm 7 days per week How can SHARP help you? The prospect of a loved one, or friend facing a prison sentence or facing the prospect of a trial, is in most instances an experience that none of us have ever been prepared for. What are your rights? Where can financial support be found? What other help is there'? How can teachers at schools help the children of families where a parent is serving a prison sentence'? This is where S H A R P, has experience in helping others who are going through this situation and also has direct links and access to other organisations and support groups. What help is available? Help is also available to families and friends outside of the Shropshire area within the UK. All help is available from time of arrest, accompaniment to court hearings, through the prison sentence to resettlement after prison release. Help is available with:
Writing letters and making telephone calls on the family's behalf to varying Bodies e.g.. MP's Solicitors etc. The past and future of SHARP SHARP is a voluntary registered charitable organisation started in January 1998. In September 1997 SHARP became a member of The Federation of Prisoners' Families Support Group now known as 'Action for Prisoners' Families'. Through their support and a start up loan, SHARP. was officially formed the following January. Referrals Posters and leaflets are displayed in the local magistrates and crown courts, all local custody Police Stations, probation offices, all prisons throughout the UK and their visits centres. Referrals are received from all of the above plus Mental Health assessment Teams, Social Services, solicitors and barristers, through this website, word of mouth from those who have used our services, other organisations and professional bodies. Leaflets are now given to every new prisoner at West Midlands prisons in their induction packs, and placed on the different prison wings (see article in Spring 2004 newsletter.)
SHARP BELIEVES that the resettlement and rehabilitation of the offender begins at the time of arrest. Long Term Aims
Charitable statusSHARP is a registered charitable organisation. This has become essential for two main reasons Many funders will fund only a registered charity and SHARP needs the wider funding area. Accountability; funders, plus prisons, probation services etc are happier to know that SHARP is accountable to a Board of Trustees SHARP has four trustee directors at present, all of whom have much relevant experience of issues connected with the ethos of SHARP. We desperately need your funds. Please comntribute. Telephone the helpline for more information about how you can give to our vital services. We are Charity No 1100619. alternatively, please telephone us to discuss your becoming a member of SHARP. SHARP is a totally voluntary organisation and is funded by support from charitable trusts, private donations and membership. SHARP headquarters. SHARP is based in Shrewsbury. The office address is
83a Wyle Cop, Shrewsbury SY1 1UT Telephone 01743 245365 Fax 01743 245365 email sharphilary@yahoo.com
Call in and see us! S.H.A.R.P Support Help and Advice for Relatives and friends of Prisoners Telephone help line available 9am - 9pm, 7 days a week Offices open Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm Free confidential help, advice, support and friendship for the relatives and friends of those serving sentences awaiting trial or facing the prospect of legal action. "For those serving the silent sentence"
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