Leanne Manning

This week’s 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 & 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 group was full of creativity, connection, and self-expression 💜✨ From scrapbooks and affirmation pages to artwork, collages, and future dreams, children and young people created spaces that reflected who they are beyond the stigma of parental imprisonment. For many children, these groups are more than activities. They are safe spaces to be heard, seen, make friends, build confidence, and realise they are not alone. Children Heard and Seen currently delivers 6 online groups every week for children with a #parentinprison across England and Wales — creating connection, reducing isolation, and helping children thrive. No child should have to carry this experience alone. 💜

A huge thank you to Viji Alles on @BBCRadio4 for selecting Katie’s interview as Pick of the Week and urging people to give it a listen. Katie spoke with incredible courage and honesty about the lifelong impact domestic homicide can have on children — and why children’s voices and experiences must never be overlooked. Every time these stories are given space nationally, it helps challenge silence, stigma and misunderstanding around the realities many children are living with. If you have been impacted by domestic homicide and would like your voice heard, please contact info@childrenheardandseen.co.uk 🎧 Listen here: bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0…

For years, Georgina carried a story she felt unable to tell. A story of police raids, prison visits, public shame, bullying, isolation, and growing up known only as "𝙑𝙤𝙪𝙙𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙞’𝙨 𝙙𝙖𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙚𝙧 – 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙖𝙭𝙥𝙖𝙮𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙮" In this powerful and deeply honest blog, Georgina shares what parental imprisonment really felt like as a child and teenager — the stigma, the silence, the loneliness, but also the resilience that followed. “𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙘𝙧𝙞𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙬𝙚 𝙛𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖 𝙘𝙧𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙛𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙖 𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙙 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙖𝙧𝙚.” By sharing her story, Georgina hopes other children and young people affected by parental imprisonment know they are not alone. This blog forms part of our Hidden Voices series, shining a light on the experiences so often left unheard. Read more on our website. 💙 childrenheardandseen.co.uk/2026/05/08/hid…

“𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲, 𝘄𝗼𝗲𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀.” Following yesterday’s discussion on @BBCr4today, Children Heard and Seen is appreciative of the opportunity to help raise awareness of the experiences of children affected by parental domestic homicide. During the interview, CEO @SarahBurrows100 spoke about adults who, as children, were forced to visit the parent who killed the other parent in prison, with some even having to live with them following release. @BBCr4todays overnight, yet grew up with little meaningful support. The advisory group brings together adults who experienced parental domestic homicide as a child, helping shape understanding, support, and change for children and young people today. If you have lived experience of parental domestic homicide and would like to connect with others who understand and help influence future support, please contact info@childrenheardandseen.co.uk to find out more.

“𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝘆 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗰𝗵 — 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝘅𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗼.” As a child, “Katy” was forced to visit her father in prison after he killed her mother. Years later, she says simply driving down the same roads still brings back the fear. Today on @BBCr4today @BBCWomansHour, her story laid bare the lifelong trauma many children affected by parental domestic homicide are left to carry — often without the protection, understanding, or support they need. A new report is now calling for urgent reform across the UK and Ireland, warning that children’s voices are too often ignored in decisions about contact, care, and recovery after domestic homicide. No child should be forced to carry trauma alone. No child should feel unheard in decisions about their own safety. Thank you to BBC Radio 4 for creating space for this important conversation, with @SarahBurrows100 from Children Heard and Seen and Professor John Devaney discussing why a child-centred, trauma-informed response is urgently needed. Listen to the full interview here: bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00…

Good luck today to our incredible runners, Ollie Burrows and Theo Parry, taking on the **London Marathon 💛 You’re running for children whose lives have been shattered by domestic homicide—children carrying grief, trauma, and loss that no child should ever have to face. Today is more than 26.2 miles. It’s about being heard. Being seen. Being supported. We’re all behind you, every single step of the way. If you can, please support them today: 👉 2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/childrenhearda…⁠�

A huge thank you to Diana Parkes, co-founder of the @JRCSFoundation, for this message of support ahead of the London Marathon 2026 💛 And to our incredible runners, Ollie Burrows and Theo Parry, who are taking on 26.2 miles for children affected by domestic homicide. When a parent is killed, the impact on a child is lifelong. Together, we’re working to ensure they are seen, heard, and supported long after the headlines fade. Please support their journey if you can: 👉 2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/childrenhearda…

When you were a child, were you a victim of domestic homicide? Did your parent kill your other parent and serve a custodial sentence? Come and join Harry and Jordan (from this clip) and six other adults who also experienced this when they were children. We are hosting an advisory group at the @UKparliment Tuesday, the 21st of April sponsored by Kerry McCarthy MP. The purpose of the group is to campaign for change for children currently experience this traumatic experience and also to ensure that the support we offer for children going through this experience is shaped by lived experience and understanding. #domestichomicide #parentalimprisonment @Jess4Lowestoft @jessphillips

𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀 — 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗼𝗸𝗮𝘆. In Minecraft, things are different. Here, neurodiverse children and young people can build their own worlds, take things at their own pace, and connect without pressure. Block by block 🧱🧱, confidence grows 🌸🌼 Connection follows. Thank you to @blooming_genius for helping make this space possible. #minecraft #parentinprison

𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗻 🐣 To prepare for Easter this week, we kicked off our CHaS Cooking Club — and what a start it was. Families joined us online to make chocolate nests together, sharing simple moments of creativity, connection, and fun. For many of the children and carers we support, these moments matter — time to be together, to laugh, and to create something of their own. 𝗪𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀, 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮 𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿.

𝗔𝘀 𝘄𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿, 𝘄𝗲’𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝘀𝗼 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀. Supporting children with a #parentin #prison can be a lot to carry — and often goes unseen. Time for You, Craft and Chat offers a gentle space to pause, to breathe, to make, or just to be. 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗮 𝗺𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀.

@accccxxx Well done you! You are marvellous and should be so proud of yourself xx

And with that, my Masters dissertation is completed. An autoethnography on the initial consequences supporting families experience when a prison sentence is given. I’ve poured so much into this, and overcame numerous bereavements, I just hope I’ve done the topic justice

Gemma Ahern witnessed her dad kill her mum, stabbing her 36 times — and throughout his sentence, he retained full parental responsibility. After his release, she was raised by her father and her stepmother. Reflecting on everything she’s been through, she said: “𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗻'𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗮 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲, 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗺𝗲, 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝘆 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗽𝘂𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝘆 𝗱𝗮𝗱'𝘀.” Too often, decisions prioritise the adult — even when children are the ones living with the lifelong impact. Children’s needs should always come first. “The children and those caring for them are the forgotten victims after incidents of domestic homicide.” — @SarahBurrows100 , Children Heard and Seen Children’s welfare must be the starting point — not an afterthought. @BBCNews @BBCWales #parentinprison #jadeslaw #domestichomicde Read the full article here - bbc.co.uk/news/articles/…

𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗮 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿? In 2026 some incredible supporters have already stepped up to raise funds for children with a parent in prison. Fundraisers are taking on challenges including: 🏃 Reading Half Marathon 🏊 10km Open Water Swim in Snowdonia ⛰ Lake District Ultra Challenge 🪂 Skydive 🏃 Chester 10K 🏃‍♂️ TCS London Marathon Every mile run, every stroke swum and every leap of courage helps us support children who are often the hidden victims of parental imprisonment. If you’ve ever thought about running a race, taking on an adventure challenge, or organising your own fundraiser, there is still time to get involved this year. Together we can make sure children affected by #parentalimprisonment are heard, seen and supported. 📩 Get in touch if you’d like to fundraise for Children Heard and Seen. info@childrenheardandseen.co.uk @GreenParkUK

In this powerful BBC story, Helena speaks about the devastating loss of her daughter, Izzy, who was murdered by a partner. No parent — and no family — should ever have to endure such a tragedy. Despite unimaginable grief, Helena is speaking out so that other women and families may recognise the signs of abuse and seek help. She describes the heart breaking reality facing Izzy’s children: “𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗜 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱𝗻’𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 – 𝘄𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗳𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀.” At Children Heard and Seen, we are proud to stand alongside Helena as she continues to raise awareness and campaign so that other women and children do not have to experience the same loss. Sarah Burrows, Founder of Children Heard and Seen, said: “𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝘃𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗺𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗱𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲.” Helena’s courage in sharing her family’s story helps ensure the voices of those affected by violence are truly heard and seen. To read the full article bbc.co.uk/news/articles/… @Tarahwelsh @BBCNews

Tonight we are incredibly proud to celebrate Harry and Jordan Bradbury, who have received a High Sheriff’s Award for their commitment to raising awareness and campaigning for children affected by domestic homicide. As children, Harry and Jordan experienced the devastating loss of their mother when their father was convicted of her murder — a trauma that left them without both parents. Instead of staying silent, they have chosen to use their voices to help others. Through sharing their story in the film The Children Behind the Headlines and speaking publicly about their experiences, they are helping the world better understand the hidden impact of domestic homicide on children. Their courage is helping to drive change so that children facing similar tragedies are seen, heard and supported. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition. #domestichomicide #parentinprison

Belonging grows when support fits around children’s lives — not the other way round. For children affected by parental imprisonment, traditional services don’t always feel safe, accessible, or possible. Taking support to where children already are — online, familiar, and on their terms — helps remove barriers and build trust. This Children’s Mental Health Week, we’re proud to stand with @Place2Be in highlighting why belonging matters — especially for children whose sense of “place” has already been disrupted. #ChildrensMentalHealthWeek #HearMeSeeMe

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗻 Children with a parent in prison are often unseen in safeguarding systems, yet the impact on their emotional wellbeing, education and stability can be significant. This specialist online training supports professionals to better understand the realities faced by these children and how services can respond effectively. The training will explore: • The emotional, social and educational impact of parental imprisonment • Identifying hidden vulnerability • Safeguarding considerations for professionals • Trauma-informed, child-centred responses • Turning awareness into meaningful action in practice If you work in education, social care, youth services, health, or the voluntary sector, this session will help build confidence and understanding when supporting children with a parent in prison. Book your place: eventbrite.co.uk/e/198276987707…

In this powerful episode, Josh Connolly sits down with five extraordinary young people to talk about what it’s really like growing up with a parent in prison. The courage, honesty and maturity they bring to this conversation is deeply moving. They speak openly about shame, stigma, anger, confusion and loss — but also about resilience, ambition and the strength it takes to shape who they want to become. Too often, the voices of children with a parent in prison go unheard. What these young people share here is powerful, honest and important. This isn’t just a conversation about hardship. It’s a conversation about strength, hope and the remarkable young people behind these experiences. Thank you, Josh, for creating a space where these voices could be heard and for giving them the platform they truly deserve. Listen to the full Podcast on the link below - youtube.com/watch?v=EA0XbK…

Today, on #InternationalWomensDay, we remember the mothers who have lost their lives to domestic abuse — and recognise the children whose lives are forever changed by that loss. Some children experience the unimaginable: losing one parent to domestic homicide while the other receives a prison sentence. At Children Heard and Seen we support children living with the impact of this trauma. Their experiences are complex, often hidden, and rarely understood. Too often the voices of those who lived through this as children are missing from conversations about policy and support. That’s why we are bringing together an advisory group in Westminster this April to listen to adults with lived experience and help shape better support for children affected by domestic homicide and #parentalimprisonment. If this was part of your childhood and you would like to contribute your voice, we would really value hearing from you. Our thanks to @KerryMP for sponsoring and supporting this important event. @ChildrensComm @CommissionerDA