Pact

When Anna’s dad went to prison, she stopped going to school. No one understood why. 🤝 Her story shows why joined‑up working matters. In this expert blog, Pact shares how collaboration between services transforms outcomes for families. prisonadvice.org.uk/latest/news/wh…

Proud to hear Children’s Laureate @frankcottrell_b highlight our FLiP reading programme at his final Royal Institution lecture: “I was seeing broken bonds being repaired in real time.” 📚️ FLiP helps fathers in prison rebuild relationships through reading. prisonadvice.org.uk/get-help/priso…

Families can help prevent harm in prison. They spot warning signs. They hold vital history. Yet they’re too often left out. It’s time we listened. 👉 Read @andykeendowns' blog: prisonadvice.org.uk/latest/news/li… #ListenToFamilies #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #SaferCustody

Allison tried to help her son in prison. No one listened—until it was almost too late. Families hold vital information. Too often, they’re ignored. It’s time we listened. 👉 Watch Allison's story: pact1.link/ListenToFamili… #ListenToFamilies #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek

Over the past couple of months, Pact teams have been marking Spring at family days. 💐 Gartree: Mother’s Day with donated plants + handwritten messages 🐣 Lowdham Grange & Send: Easter crafts + chocolate treats 🌙🐰 Whatton: Eid + Easter fun Helping families stay connected 💛

💬 “These sessions make me feel better.” Running in prisons across the country, Making Positive Connections supports people who don’t receive visits. At HMP Nottingham, low‑key sessions offer space to talk, connect and feel less isolated. Relationships matter.

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ Today’s the day! Huge good luck to Rainer, LeRon, Kristen & George running the #LondonMarathon for Pact 💛 Every mile supports people in prison and their families. We’re cheering you all the way! 👏

Our hearts are with the family and friends of the 16‑year‑old who has died at Feltham A. We know this news will worry many families. If you’re concerned about a loved one in prison, contact the Prisoners’ Families Helpline: 0808 808 2003, pact1.link/helpline

Could you be a prison visitor like Ruby? We need volunteers for new prison visitor programmes at HMP Huntercombe & HMP Eastwood Park. Help reduce isolation with regular visits. Training provided. Read Ruby’s story & apply: pact1.link/Rubys-story

When a mum goes to prison, 95% of children leave the family home, making keeping in touch more complex. For Welsh women held far from home in English prisons, visits are even harder. These cards sent to the Pact team show the difference our Visiting Mum programme makes. 👉 pact1.link/Visiting-Mum

Meet our amazing 2026 London Marathon team! Rainer, LeRon, Kristen and George are running 26.2 miles to support people in prison and their families. As Rainer says: “Behind the walls and systems are individuals with families, hopes and the potential for change.” 💛 Read more: pact1.link/marathon-2026

This is Rea, a Pact volunteer. She's been recognised for her work supporting neurodiverse visitors. Neurodivergent people in prison and their loved ones often face barriers in a system designed for neurotypical needs. More: pact1.link/neurodiverse-v… #WorldAutismAwarenessMonth

📢 New HMIP report exposes the crisis facing people on remand: twice the risk of taking their own life, huge mental‑health need, too little support. Pact knows from experience that early help and family contact save lives. 👉 Read the blog: pact1.link/remand-prisone…

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…

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