Pact

Following a successful bid, Pact will continue running the @PFHelpline, offering daily support for people affected by arrest and imprisonment. It includes a 24/7 chatbot, helpful resources, and a Safer Custody portal to contact prisons directly. More: pact1.link/pfh-announceme…

Today HM Inspectorate of Prisons released a new report on family services in prisons. It found what we at Pact know to be true: in prison, connection with loved ones changes everything. When family services work they help deliver safer prisons, create a sense of optimism and hope, and reduce reoffending. But this potential is untapped, particularly when it comes to supporting the most vulnerable prisoners, and in the early days in custody. Our CEO, Andy Keen-Downs CBE, says: “This report shows that family relationships are one of the most powerful, proven levers we have for creating safer prisons and reducing reoffending. When prisoners are supported to stay connected with their loved ones, everything shifts. They have a reason to hope, a reason to engage with education and work, a home awaiting them on release, and a reason to imagine a different future. “Money is tight. But a relatively small investment in family services delivers a disproportionately large return: safer, healthier prisons; brighter futures; and fewer victims of crime. If we are serious about rehabilitation, this is where the smart money should go.” 👉️ Read more, including key takeaways from the report: pact1.link/hmip-family-se…

Today’s funding boost for women’s services from @MoJGovUK is a vital step toward a fairer, more effective justice system. Most women who end up in prison are survivors of trauma, abuse and poverty — not people who cause a threat to broader society. Read the full response from our CEO @AndyKeenDowns 👇 prisonadvice.org.uk/latest/news/fu…

We were struck by this mum's quote in today's @guardian. We all need love. When people in prison are left without, it is so much harder for them to hope for a better life after prison, and to change. This is the heart of Pact's work. When we support families to stay connected, we support futures.

Thrilled to announce two NEW acts for Pact’s Paul Whitehouse & Friends All‑Star Comedy Gala @londonpalladium: @JohnBishop100 and @joelycett! 🎉 All in support of families affected by imprisonment. 💜 Don’t miss out—get tickets now: lwtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/paul-…

Women in prison face specific challenges: ++ rates of self-harm, children being removed from the home, and experiences of abuse. Pact has piloted dedicated social workers in women’s prisons - and evaluation has found this makes a major difference. #IWD pact1.link/socialworkers

New report by @jake_sheps from @SMFthinktank outlines the challenges in prison healthcare — long waits, complex needs, and stretched services. We're particularly pleased that it recognises the crucial role of families and carers in keeping prisoners fits and healthy. smf.co.uk/publications/p… #CJS #HealthInequalities

Drumroll please... Here are the answers! 1. Winnie the Witch 🧙 2. The B.F.G. 🥒 3. Harry Potter - aka Harry Potterto! 🪄 Find out more about Pact’s work on reading in prisons: pact1.link/flip-reading

Reading initiatives in prison make a huge difference – but when they involve the whole family their impact multiplies, helping to: 📖 Build attachment 📖 Strengthen positive identity, agency and responsibility as a parent 📖 Inspire prisoners to pursue education and be role models for their children

🧐 Can you tell which book character each potato represents? Answers in the comments! It’s #WorldBookDay, and Pact services across the country are running book-themed activities like dress-up-the-potato for people in prison and their families.

A few weeks ago, Fran made someone's day by buying them an ice cream. But Fran makes a lot of people's days. She volunteers as a prison visitor for Pact, going to see people who otherwise wouldn't get visitors. She says, "Volunteering with Pact has given me something I didn’t even know I was missing. I feel like I’m doing something that truly matters, something that makes someone’s life a little less miserable. I even won Volunteer of the Year, which still makes me laugh, because in my mind all I do is talk to people." 🤲 Read Fran's story: pact1.link/frans-story 🔎 We're looking for more amazing volunteers like Fran. Could that be you? Find out more on our website, or drop us an email to volunteering@prisonadvice.org.uk.

We worked with Big Brothers at HMYOI Brinsford and @jessiillustrat1 to create: 🎨 A comic for younger siblings about having a brother in prison 🎨 A resource for teachers to help siblings feel heard. 👉 prisonadvice.org.uk/get-help/child…

We’re especially keen for volunteers near: 📍 London & Southeast: HMP Ford and HMP Lewes. 📍 Wales & West: HMP Erlestoke, HMP Portland, HMP The Verne and HMP Leyhill. 📍 North & East: HMP Lindholme, HMP Moorland, HMP Onley and HMP Ranby.

"Volunteering for Pact has brought me so much." We're looking for more amazing volunteers like Lynda to support people visiting their loved ones in prison. 🫵 Could that be you or someone you know? Get in touch: prisonadvice.org.uk/stories/lyndas…

Welcome, Archbishop Richard Moth!

We're very pleased to introduce our new trustee, @PatrickMHNurse. Patrick recently retired as Service Director for Health and Justice Services at Central & North West London NHS Foundation Trust, concluding a distinguished career spanning more than 47 years in nursing and senior healthcare leadership. Find out more: prisonadvice.org.uk/about/team/tru…

Wow - 2/3 tickets for our @LondonPalladium comedy night have sold! Get yours to see... ✨@AlfieBoe ✨@simonday ✨@LilMisJocelyn ✨Mel Giedroyc (our host) ✨@monstroso ✨Jason Manford ✨John Thomson ✨@ArabellaWeir ✨Paul Whitehouse Comedy for a cause: pact1.link/ComedyGala2026

Everything you need to know about the health of people in prison and on probation russellwebster.com/?p=57629

Find out more about our services for families: prisonadvice.org.uk/get-help/famil…

One member of the team says: “We run the sessions to empower dads and to remind them that just because they're in custody, this doesn't stop them from being fathers. They get 1.5 hours to be 1-1 with their child and for the whole time, the only feeling in the room is love."

Our team at HMP Nottingham runs baby sensory sessions. 👶 For babies this is the difference between sitting stuck across a table from someone and playing on the floor with dad. 👨‍👦 For dads it reminds them that their identity is more than ‘prisoner’, offering purpose and hope.