The Monica Barritt Visitors’ Centre, (known locally as the Quaker Visitors’ Centre), in the grounds of Maghaberry Prison provides a range of services for visitors to the prison. Many families travel considerable distances to visit and our centre staff strive to create a welcoming atmosphere for children and adults alike.

Some visitors may just require a cup of tea and a hot snack while they take a little time to compose themselves before the visit. Others may wish to share a concern or difficulty with the manager, and need quality time to be heard knowing confidentiality is assured.

Children are delighted to use the play areas at the Visitors’ Centre and inside the prison where they have the guidance and participation of our caring child care staff who understand the difficulties of having a parent in prison and are sensitive to individual children’s needs.

For some children, visiting prison can be a very difficult experience and by providing child care within the prison visits area we know that the quality of visit for the adults and children is enhanced. Children have the opportunity to engage in a variety of activities with the guidance and support of staff and are encouraged to interact with the imprisoned parent by sharing a drawing etc with him. Quaker Service childcare staff also facilitate child-centred visit sessions in the Quaker playroom along with Prison Service staff. This enables inmates to spend quality playtime with their children away from the visiting table.

Quaker Service is currently developing a new volunteer programme “Quaker Connections” which will provide additional support services for those in custody and their families.

The families of prisoners often suffer “a silent sentence”, in trying to maintain the family on the “outside” while supporting their loved one “inside”. We believe that in assisting them in this difficult role we are helping them to maintain the family bonds which are so vital for everyone involved.