Pact

It was great to meet with @JakeBenRichards and @JoshMacAlister recently. Our Young Ambassadors, who led the meeting, are aged 16-20 and have/had a parent in prison. They're looking forward to taking a closer look at these plans as they develop.

🏁 A brilliant ‘Lads and Dads’ family day at HMP Maidstone From matchbox car races to games, crafts and music, it was a day full of fun, connection and shared moments. Because days like this matter—for children, and for their dads too.

Super important opportunity for families of prisoners at @hmpbirmingham. We’re running 2-3 focus groups for Asian men and women to share their concerns & improvements for visitation in HMP Birmingham. Share with those who may benefit from this opportunity. #BirminghamUK

In our manifesto, we promised to offer better support for the almost 200,000 children who have parents in prison. 🌹 Today, @JoshMacAlister and I have launched a new initiative that will help us identify and help these often very vulnerable children. We made a promise to then and the incredible groups that support them. Happy to make such important progress. ✅ @politicshome @ChildrenHandS @prisonadvice politicshome.com/opinion/articl…

We welcome today's @MoJGovUK and @educationgovuk announcement about work to identify children with a parent in prison. Better information sharing is a positive step – but identification must be matched by meaningful support. Our Young Pact Ambassadors will be scrutinising the proposals. As young people with lived experience, their voices matter. Read the full response from Pact CEO @AndyKeenDowns 👇👇 buff.ly/hoHs8Yf @JoshMacAlister @JakeBenRichards #ChildrenWithAPrisonerParent

Chief Inspector calls for an increase in the "woeful levels of activity in prison" Charlie Taylor describes how long lock up times and poor regimes are causing frustration, boredom and despair. via @HMIPrisonsnews russellwebster.com/chief-inspecto…

The HMIP Annual Report highlights the reality many prisoners face every day: too much time locked up, poor conditions, and too little hope for the future. Relationships are the golden thread of rehabilitation. Strong family ties help people cope in custody, prepare for release and build a better future. Read Pact CEO @andykeendowns response 👇 prisonadvice.org.uk/latest/news/pa…

We were delighted to welcome Professor Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England, as keynote speaker at an event we held this week on challenges and opportunities in Health & Justice. His speech acknowledged the major improvements in healthcare in the past two decades, but set out the challenges facing the system – an ageing prison population, high levels of self-harm and high-risk transitions as people enter and leave custody. He called for a greater focus on prevention, digital innovation and joined-up working across health and justice systems. He also emphasised the importance of involving families and carers, recognising the unique insights and support they can provide in improving health outcomes.

Supporting children with a parent in prison takes more than one service. 🤝 Joined-up working—across prisons, schools & social care—means better, more coordinated support and fewer children falling through the gaps. Read more: prisonadvice.org.uk/latest/news/wh…

We welcome the announcement from @MoJGovUK that @AmberRuddUK will lead a review into prisons. However, there has been no shortage of reviews in recent years. This one will only make a difference if it delivers change. Full response from @AndyKeenDowns 👇 buff.ly/TWnLwqy

These messages are at HMP Stafford - but really they're for everyone going through the imprisonment of a loved one 💚 Visitors have filled a board put up during building works with messages to reassure others—especially those on their first visit.

Strong governance is essential for impact. We’re recruiting a Trustee & Chair of our Finance, Risk and Audit Committee to help ensure Pact can continue supporting families affected by imprisonment. 👉 pact.livevacancies.co.uk/#/job/details/… #Trustee #Governance

💙 This #FathersDay, Kiran shares: “I was 12 when my dad went to prison… having your dad in prison leaves a big hole. We lost those years together.” 🔗 prisonadvice.org.uk/stories/kirans…

🤝 Our Young Ambassadors met with @JoshMacAlister and @JakeBenRichards to share their experiences of having a parent in prison. By speaking directly to decision makers, they’re helping shape services and systems for families affected by imprisonment.

🚨 What does good practice really look like when it comes to supporting families affected by imprisonment? In Swansea, Pact is working in prisons, courts and in schools to deliver a joined up, whole-family approach that stops people falling through the gaps 👉 Read more: prisonadvice.org.uk/get-help/famil…

🌍 Pact Young Ambassadors—young people with lived experience of parental imprisonment—took part in a European conference in Milan last week, co facilitating discussions incl on how media reporting on parents’ crimes affects children.

Could your financial expertise help change lives? Pact is seeking a Trustee & Chair of its Financial, Risk & Audit Committee. Use your experience to help guide a national charity supporting prisoners, people with convictions and families. Apply now 👉 pact1.link/trustee-frac

This week’s Welsh Affairs Committee report on criminal justice system exposes a system under strain. There are no women’s prisons in Wales — women are held miles from home in England, making family contact harder. Our CEO @AndyKeenDowns spoke to BBC Wales on why this matters. At Pact: ➡️ Visiting Mum supports children ➡️ Specialist casework helps women navigate complex systems from afar

📰 Pact peer mentor Colin has been featured in @insidetimeuk, alongside his partner Victoria. Recently released and rebuilding his life, he reflects on supporting others inside: “Get out of the cells, support others… use every minute positively. I am never going back.” Read more: prisonadvice.org.uk/stories/colins…

You give your time, compassion and belief in second chances. You get purpose, connection — and the chance to truly change lives. This #VolunteersWeek, see why people volunteer with Pact 👇 Could you join them? 👉 prisonadvice.org.uk/volunteer/