Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the conditions that create a “good” prison visit, focussing on the role that a dedicated third sector-run prison visitors’ centre plays in creating a supportive environment. Design/methodology/approach This paper draws on a synthesis of empirical data gathering conducted over a decade at a voluntary sector-managed prison visitors’ centre based at a male prison in Northern England. The paper draws specifically on qualitative data gathered through four independent evaluations of the centre over a ten-year period. Findings An important point to emerge from the research is the unwavering importance of the prison visit in the life, well-being and regime of a prisoner. Prison visitors’ centres are shown to be an important part of creating positive visits experiences offering a space for composure and for support for families. Originality/value Many voluntary sector organisations are unable to commission large research and evaluation studies, but are often able to fund smaller pieces of work. Pooling qualitative evidence from smaller studies is a viable way to potentially strengthen commissioning decisions in this sector.

中文翻译：

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争取“好的”家庭探望：监狱探访中心的促进作用

目的本文的目的是探索创造“良好”监狱探访的条件，重点是由专门由第三部门运营的监狱探访者中心在创造支持性环境中所扮演的角色。设计/方法/方法本文总结了十年来在英格兰北部一所男性监狱的，由自愿性部门管理的监狱访客中心进行的经验数据收集的综合。该论文特别借鉴了在十年期间通过对该中心进行的四次独立评估收集的定性数据。研究结果得出的一个重要观点是，监狱探视在囚犯的生活，福祉和政权中具有不可动摇的重要性。监狱探访者中心被证明是创造积极探视体验的重要组成部分，可为人们提供镇定和支持家庭的空间。原创性/价值许多志愿部门组织无法开展大型研究和评估研究，但通常能够资助较小的工作。从较小的研究中收集定性证据是一种可行的方法，可以潜在地加强该部门的调试决策。