'Some children do not realise they are coming into a prison'

The new service in Dumfries already operates in a number of Scottish prisons

A new support service which provides tailored help to families with a parent in prison has been launched in south-west Scotland.

Early Years Scotland (EYS) already works with six of Scotland's prisons, and has now secured funding to deliver it in Dumfries.

Andrew Hunstone, governor in charge of HMP Dumfries, said: "We know that visiting a prison and seeing a loved one in this environment can be very difficult, especially for children."

However, the new service aims to remove some of that difficulty with financial assistance towards travelling to visit a loved one in prison, confidential advice and information guides on what to expect.

One family said the new service allowed them to "have some normality"

The new service helps to fund family visits with a maximum of two families in the visiting area at one time.

The mother of a newborn - who asked not to be identified - as well as the father, who is in HMP Dumfries, told BBC Scotland news how the new funding had helped them.

She said: "If it wasn't for EYS, the visits would be far less frequent.”

"It's great to just have some normality, so to speak.

"It's helped communication in our family by 100%, sometimes you just need a chat."

She said it meant they could get at least two visits a week.

"I just want my son and his dad to bond, I don't want him to miss out," she said.

"They are very accommodating of that and we can relax here."

Dumfries prison dates back to the 19th century

The father said the new set-up had transformed his time with his son.

"In normal visits you're just sitting there but now I can change his nappy and play with him," he said.

"He's so young and quick to adapt, I don't want to miss things.”

"If I didn't have this then it would be a struggle, especially as I'm a hands-on dad."

He already has three other children and said the baby stage was his favourite.

"They've got gardens here, big gardens," he added.

"So sometimes at the weekends, when the weather is good, you get to spend time out there in the fresh air and it can be even more comforting."

The service aims to provide support for children and families

They also praised the regular dialogue with family contact officer Charlotte Murphy.

She said provision had changed a lot in the prison.

"The cosy area makes visiting time much nicer for families," she said.

"It feels homely and is a good alternative to, say, uncomfy chairs.”

"It also means that some of the children don't even realise they are coming into prison."

Craig McGill, right, said the new service was of benefit "emotionally and developmentally" to children

Craig McGill, head of operations at HMP Dumfries, said some families had to travel long distances from across Scotland to visit their relatives.

"This means there are financial difficulties, as well as transport difficulties associated with visiting the prison," he said.

"The new family support service helps to maintain both parental and spousal relationships, which can sometimes deteriorate during incarceration.

"This reduces the stress and anxiety faced by not only families, but the imprisoned family members too."

A dedicated support worker also offers guidance and support to let families know what to expect when visiting which is important, especially if it is a new experience.

A new survey will be set up shortly to get direct feedback from families on how the service has helped them.