The role of the NAOPV

Official Prison Visitors provide an invaluable contribution in befriending prisoners during their time in custody, in what can be a very challenging time in their lives.

Enabling prisoners to maintain a contact with the outside world can assist in their well-being and eventual reintegration into life outside prison.

The National Association of Official Prison Visitors is here to maintain and support this vital service.

Roy Hanley, Chair NAOPV

Find out more

We hope you will find information which will be of help to you, whether you are someone who is considering becoming an Official Prison Visitor (OPV), an existing OPV, a member of prison staff, from the media or a member of the public.

Details of how OPVs can become a Member of NAOPV can be found here.

The NAOPV does not lobby or advocate on behalf of prisoners and is politically neutral. However, we maintain strong relationships with HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS).

The NAOPV no longer receives funding from the Ministry of Justice (MoJ). As a charity it relies on financial support from its Members as well as donations.

 

It’s the interest you show. I feel now as though somebody cares. Maybe if someone had shown this interest a few years ago I wouldn’t be here now; who knows where I might have been?— Will