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Pact

@prisonadvice.bsky.social
248 followers 30 following 270 posts

Pact is a pioneering national charity that supports prisoners, people with convictions, and their families. We build stronger families and safer communities across England & Wales.

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Pact @prisonadvice.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
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? 👉 www.prisonadvice.org.uk/volunteer/
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Pact @prisonadvice.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
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. www.prisonadvice.org.uk/latest/news/...
Graphic with a crumpled paper background and Pact logo, featuring the text: “When Anna’s dad went to prison she stopped going to school. No one understood what was going on…” designed to introduce a story about a child affected by parental imprisonment and the impact of lack of joined‑up support.
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Pact @prisonadvice.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
Proud to hear Children’s Laureate Frank Cottrell Boyce 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. www.prisonadvice.org.uk/get-help/pri...
Close-up portrait of Frank Cottrell Boyce wearing a blue shirt, seated indoors with a blurred bookshelf in the background. The Pact logo appears in the top left. Overlaid text reads: “Children’s Laureate highlights Pact reading programme” and “I was seeing broken bonds repaired in real time.”
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Pact @prisonadvice.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
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/ListenToFami... #ListenToFamilies #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
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Pact @prisonadvice.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
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 💛
Large grey Easter bunny display surrounded by colourful paper flowers, carrots and a white picket fence, with handmade signs reading “Happy Easter” and “Hoppy Easter.”Decorated noticeboard with large “HAPPY EID” lettering, surrounded by cards, mosque illustrations and a lantern, with a “Welcome to Gartree” sign below.Close-up of potted spring flowers with a small handwritten card reading “Happy Mother’s Day.”Table of green paper-plate Easter crafts, with craft materials nearby.
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Pact @prisonadvice.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
💬 “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.
Photograph of a Making Positive Connections feedback form. Over the centre is a white torn‑paper style overlay displaying the quote: “These sessions are really good for people like myself whose family have died.” The background shows handwritten feedback boxes beneath, and a blue border with the Pact logo in the top right corner.Photograph of a Making Positive Connections feedback form with a white torn‑paper overlay in the centre. The visible quote reads: “Thanks for giving me a smile. Makes living here a tad easier.” Handwritten comments are partially visible underneath, with a pink border and the Pact logo in the top right corner.Photograph of a Making Positive Connections feedback form. A white torn‑paper overlay highlights the quote: “Thank you for everything. These sessions make me feel better.” The form includes handwritten feedback beneath, framed by an orange border with the Pact logo in the top right corner.
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Pact @prisonadvice.bsky.social · 26/04/2026
🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ 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! 👏
Orange graphic wishing luck to Pact’s London Marathon runners. Text reads “Good luck to Pact’s London Marathon runners!” On the right, four stacked photos show the runners during training or races, labelled Rainer, Kristen, LeRon and George. Pact logo in bottom right.
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Pact @prisonadvice.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
Our hearts are with the family and friends of the 16‑year‑old who has died following an incident 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
Prisoners’ Families Helpline, delivered by Pact. A person in a green jumper holds another person in a corridor setting. Text lists support offered: practical information, emotional support, and help at all stages of the criminal justice process. Freephone 0808 808 2003. Open Monday–Friday 9am–8pm, Weekends and Bank Holidays 10am–3pm.
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Pact @prisonadvice.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
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
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Pact @prisonadvice.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
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
A child’s handmade thank you card on a light surface. The card shows a large rainbow‑coloured heart drawn in chalk or pastels. Over the corner is a handwritten note from a child saying thank you for helping them see their mum, with kisses drawn at the bottom. The Pact logo appears in the top right corner.A green thank you card decorated with small rainbow stickers. In front of it is a handwritten note from a mum thanking Pact for facilitating family visits over 15 months and for the kindness and support provided to keep things as normal as possible for the family. The Pact logo appears in the top right corner.
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Pact @prisonadvice.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
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
A bright pink graphic with the text “Meet our London Marathon runners!” on the left. On the right, a tilted white photo strip shows four runners in separate images: Rainer wearing a Pact running vest, Kristen smiling at an event, LeRon holding a medal after a race, and George running outdoors. Each photo is labelled with the runner’s first name. The Pact logo appears in the bottom right corner.
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Pact @prisonadvice.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
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-visitors-guide #WorldAutismAwarenessMonth
A woman stands indoors holding a printed staff recognition certificate. She is wearing a lanyard and jewellery, and is positioned in front of shelves filled with toys, art supplies, and children’s books. The Pact logo appears in the top right corner, and a pink banner at the bottom reads “Autism Awareness Month 2026.”
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Pact @prisonadvice.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
📢 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-priso...
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Pact @prisonadvice.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
Following a successful bid, Pact will continue running the Prisoners’ Families Helpline, 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-announce...
A graphic for the Prisoners’ Families Helpline delivered by Pact. The image shows two people hugging. Text on the image lists the helpline’s support: practical information, emotional support, and guidance through all stages of the criminal justice process. The Prisoners’ Families Helpline logo and freephone number 0808 808 2003 are shown, along with opening hours: Monday to Friday 9am–8pm, and Weekends and Bank Holidays 10am–3pm.
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Pact @prisonadvice.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
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. 👉️ Read more: pact1.link/hmip-family-...
A person wearing a dark shirt holds a small child on their lap in a colourful room filled with children’s books. Overlaid text reads: “HMIP report: Family services. Family services in prisons are essential.” The words 'a nice-to-have' are crossed out.
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Pact @prisonadvice.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
Thrilled to announce two NEW acts for Pact’s Paul Whitehouse & Friends All‑Star Comedy Gala at the London Palladium: John Bishop and @joe-lycett.bsky.social! 🎉 All in support of families affected by imprisonment. 💜 Don’t miss out—tickets: lwtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/pau...
A vibrant purple promotional poster for “Paul Whitehouse & Friends: All Star Comedy Gala,” featuring a radiant starburst background and circular framed headshots representing the performing guests. The poster lists the names Alfie Boe, John Bishop, Simon Day, Jocelyn Jee Esien, Charlie Higson, Joe Lycett, John Thomson, Arabella Weir, Paul Whitehouse, and host Mel Giedroyc. Decorative gold accents highlight the event title and details. Text at the bottom announces the date, Monday 30 March, and the venue, The London Palladium, with a note that the gala is in aid of the charity Pact.
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Pact @prisonadvice.bsky.social · 08/03/2026
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
A group of people stand together in a prison visitors' centre. At the centre a mother and daughter wearing pink tops have their arms around each other’s shoulders and backs. In the top right corner is the Pact charity logo. Text on the image reads: “International Women’s Day. Every women’s prison should have an independent, prison‑based social worker.”
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Pact @prisonadvice.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
New report by Jake Shepherd @smfthinktank.bsky.social outlines the challenges in prison healthcare — long waits, complex needs, and stretched services. We're pleased that it recognises the crucial role of families and carers in keeping prisoners fits and healthy. www.smf.co.uk/publications...
A scene inside a prison corridor shows two people standing at a medical treatment window labelled “B Wing Treatments/Medical Room.” Various notices and posters cover the wall around the window. Overlaid text reads: “Social Market Foundation briefing: ‘Good prisoner health is not only a moral issue but it can also deliver wider benefits, including improved public health and reduced reoffending.’” The top right corner includes the Pact charity logo.
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Pact @prisonadvice.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
🧐 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 potato decorated with a paper hat and drawn face, with text asking to guess the potato book character. Answers in comments!A potato decorated woolen hair and a drawn face, with text asking to guess the potato book character. Answers in comments!A potato decorated with a drawn face with glasses and a tie, with text asking to guess the potato book character. Answers in comments!
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Pact @prisonadvice.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
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. 🤲 Read Fran's story: pact1.link/frans-story
A hand holds a chocolate‑coated ice cream bar. In front of it, a black text box displays a quote: “A few weeks ago, one person told me they hadn’t had an ice cream in three years. I bought one from the kiosk and you’d have thought I’d given them the world. Those tiny things—things we take for granted—can turn someone’s entire week around.” The Pact logo appears in the top right corner.
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Pact @prisonadvice.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
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. 👉 www.prisonadvice.org.uk/get-help/chi...
A colourful illustrated comic page showing a person standing with arms raised, surrounded by drawings and handwritten text about prison life. Phrases like “I have no freedom” and “I can’t choose what I do with my time” appear alongside images such as a prison door, letters, a clock, and a small drawing of two children. The page depicts restricted choices, separation from family, and daily routines in prison.Text on a black background reads, "The comic shows how prison affects your family, not just the person inside. That’s the real bit that sticks in your head. The story makes you think about how people at home feel, not 
just yourself.” The quote is attributed to 'Kyle, a Big Brother at HMYOI Brinsford'
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Pact @prisonadvice.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
We're pleased to introduce our new trustee, Patrick Gillespie. Patrick recently retired as Service Director for Health and Justice Services at an NHS Foundation Trust, concluding a career spanning 47 years in nursing and healthcare leadership. Find out more: www.prisonadvice.org.uk/about/team/t...
“Graphic featuring a person standing outdoors on the left side of the image, with a purple background on the right. The right side displays a quotation mark icon and text reading: ‘I’ve seen how profoundly compassionate support can shape the lives of people facing the most difficult mix of health challenges, justice involvement, and family strain.’ Beneath the quote is the name Patrick Gillespie and the title ‘Pact Trustee.’ The Pact logo appears in the lower-left corner.”
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Pact @prisonadvice.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
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.
An adult and a small child with blurred faces sit together on a colourful play mat surrounded by sensory toys, including a toy with buttons and lights. Overlay text reads: “We run the baby sensory sessions to remind them that just because they are in custody, this doesn’t stop them from being fathers.” The Pact logo appears in the top-right corner.
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Pact @prisonadvice.bsky.social · 23/01/2026
Yesterday the #SentencingAct became law. There's much to celebrate: 🤝A shift from unproductive short custodial sentences towards more effective community sentences 🫄Greater protections for pregnant women ❌Removal of the 'naming and shaming' clause More from Our CEO Andy Keen-Downs⬇️
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Pact @prisonadvice.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
👬 When a brother goes to prison, younger siblings can feel deep loss that's often overlooked. We worked with big brothers at HMYOI Brinsford and illustrator Jessica Hartshorn to create a comic and resource for teachers to help siblings feel heard. 👉 www.prisonadvice.org.uk/get-help/chi...
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Pact @prisonadvice.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
📣 Major update: Government scraps plans to name and shame people on community payback schemes We are delighted that the Government has listened to our campaign and removed Clause 35 from the #SentencingBill in a decision that protects children and families.
Photo showing an adult and child walking across a zebra crossing. At the top left, there is a purple label reading “Major update” and a white label with black text reading “#ScrapClause35.” Below, white text says: “We called on the Government to protect families and children by scrapping plans to name and shame people on Community Payback schemes. They listened.” At the bottom, a bold black box contains white text: “Government scraps plans to name and shame people on community sentences.” The Pact logo appears in the top right corner.
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Pact @prisonadvice.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
Today's @HMIPrisonsnews report on reading for rehabilitation underlines the importance of family-based initiatives. When reading involves the whole family, its impact multiplies. That’s why Pact runs initiatives like Family Literacy in Prisons (FLiP) ⬇️
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Pact @prisonadvice.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
Today His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons @HMIPrisonsnews has released a powerful report on reading for rehabilitation, highlighting how reading helps prisoners build better futures. 5️⃣ key takeaways (thread)
A brightly decorated children’s play area with small chairs, a green rug, and colorful bookshelves. A teddy bear sits on a table with a sign reading “Pact.” Overlaid text says: “Five key takeaways from the HM Inspectorate of Prisons thematic report on reading in prisons.”
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Pact @prisonadvice.bsky.social · 11/01/2026
When prisoners and their loved ones are given the support they need, change is possible - we see it every day. ✉️ These quotes are all taken from thank you letters to a member of our amazing team.
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Pact @prisonadvice.bsky.social · 09/01/2026
🌨️ Visiting a prison during Storm Goretti? Check transport before you travel and contact the prison’s Visitors’ Centre for info. Find phone numbers here: www.prisonadvice.org.uk/prisons Stay safe and plan ahead!
A blue graphic with white snowflakes and a white cloud at the top, representing stormy weather. The main text in bold black reads: “Planning a prison visit during Storm Goretti.” Below, in white text: “If you are in an affected area… Check transport before you travel. Find the phone numbers of all prison Visitors’ Centres on our website: prisonadvice.org.uk/prisons.” The Pact logo is at the bottom left corner.
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Pact @prisonadvice.bsky.social · 06/01/2026
Do you have a loved one in prison? The Prisoners’ Families Helpline is here for YOU—every day. Get emotional support and practical info at every stage, from arrest to preparation for release. 🤝 You’re not alone. Call 0808 808 2003 or visit prisonersfamilies.org.
An orange and white informational graphic for the Prisoners’ Families Helpline. The main text reads: “The Prisoners’ Families Helpline is here to help anyone with a loved one in prison." The listed phone number reads: "0808 808 2003 freephone.” Opening hours are listed: “Monday to Friday 9am - 8pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am - 3pm.”
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Pact @prisonadvice.bsky.social · 23/12/2025
Our amazing elves have been busy delivering books and toys to prisons countrywide so parents can give their children a Christmas gift 🎁 But Operation Elf is about a lot more than presents: it's about the chance to be a normal mum or dad, and about keeping families together ❤️
Graphic reads “Operation Elf 2026” alongside the Pact charity logo. A string of polaroid-style photos hangs across the image, each showing boxes of Christmas presents. Captions on the photos read “HMP Lewes”, “HMP Ford”, and “Elves are go!”, highlighting gifts collected for families of people in prison.
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Pact @prisonadvice.bsky.social · 21/12/2025
🎄 This week Pact’s team in HMP Styal got this lovely card from one of the women we support through the Visiting Mum programme. Here's why our team found it so moving... (thread)
A Christmas card reads: "To Pact. Would just like to thank you for everything you've done and for all your support. Without you lot I would not have been able to see my little girl on visits. I'm so grateful. Thank you."
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Pact @prisonadvice.bsky.social · 10/10/2025
Developed with prisoners and their families, the Prison Life video series explores life in custody and the support available to those in prison. Watch here: www.prisonersfamilies.org/prison-life-...
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Pact @prisonadvice.bsky.social · 08/10/2025
Join us at our Advent Carol Service as we stand in solidarity with those who will spend Christmas apart from their loved ones in prison. 📅 Tuesday 2 December 2025 🕖 7:00 pm 📍 Farm Street Church, Mayfair Follow the link below to book your place. 👇
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Pact @prisonadvice.bsky.social · 07/10/2025
Fantastic to welcome our COPE colleague and friend Winie Hanekamp-Haisma from Expertisecentrum K I N D, along with researcher Joep Harmsen, to HMP Gartree last week. They joined our Supporting Children Affected by Imprisonment training for teachers and saw our Schools Toolkit in action.
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Pact @prisonadvice.bsky.social · 06/10/2025
🍂 Visiting a loved one in prison this autumn? The rules can be confusing, so here are a few things to avoid: 🚫 Hats or scarves (religious coverings are fine) 🚫 Ripped or slashed jeans 🚫 Steel-toe-capped shoes/boots 🚫 Hoodies 🚫 Jackets or coats #StrongerFamilies #PrisonVisits #PrisonersFamilies
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Pact @prisonadvice.bsky.social · 03/10/2025
▶️ Family Engagement Manager Diane explains how dedicated prison visits for neurodivergent children and young people help to reduce anxiety and allow families to spend quality time together. 💡 Keeping families in touch is one of the most effective ways of reducing reoffending.
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Pact @prisonadvice.bsky.social · 30/09/2025
Have you had a parent in prison? Aged 16-19? Want to make a difference? Become a Pact Youth Ambassador 📣 🎤 Share your experiences 💸 Get paid ⚡ Help change the system for others like you Hit the link below! #YouthVoices #YouthPower #LivedExperience #SocialJustice #YouthForChange
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Pact @prisonadvice.bsky.social · 30/09/2025
@hmiprisonsnews.bsky.social has today published a report about HMP Pentonville setting out 'comprehensive failures' at the prison. Read the response from our Deputy CEO, Ellen Green 👇👇 www.prisonadvice.org.uk/latest/news/...
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Pact @prisonadvice.bsky.social · 29/09/2025
Not every child can, or should, visit a loved one in prison. But when it’s safe and right for them, our teams create welcoming spaces where they feel happy, supported, and cared for - like this new space at HMP Whatton. Supporting prison visits builds #StrongerFamilies and reduces #Reoffending.
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Pact @prisonadvice.bsky.social · 26/09/2025
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, foundations and trusts, we’re able to offer emergency grants to people impacted by imprisonment. 📖 Read how an emergency welfare grant helped Sam and Sophia navigate the challenges of imprisonment and work toward a fresh start (link below).
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Pact @prisonadvice.bsky.social · 24/09/2025
Pact's Guide to Prison Healthcare has been created by families with firsthand experience supporting their loved ones. It provides practical insights and compassionate guidance for anyone with a friend or family member in prison in England or Wales. #Prison #Health #MentalHealth #PrisonReform
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Pact @prisonadvice.bsky.social · 22/09/2025
The #SentencingBill had its second reading in the House of Commons last week. If you're still unsure what the proposed changes could mean for you, take a look at our guidance for families (link below). #PrisonersFamilies #CriminalJustice #JusticeReform #Sentencing
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Pact @prisonadvice.bsky.social · 19/09/2025
Over the summer, our HMP Nottingham team celebrated #SouthAsianHeritageMonth with children & families. Avtar worked her magic with stunning henna designs, Helen shared stories from South Asian authors, and families got stuck into quizzes, mandala making, food crafts & more!
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Pact @prisonadvice.bsky.social · 09/09/2025
Great to see the Children's Commissioner for England shining a light on children with a parent in prison 👏 Recognition of this vulnerable group is a vital step forward. Now we need real action to ensure no child faces the experience alone.
childrenscommissioner.gov.uk
The Children’s Plan: The Children’s Commissioner’s School Census | Children's Commissioner for England
Read The Children’s Plan: The Children’s Commissioner’s School Census in full. Read the Summary version. For the first time as Children’s Commissioner, I
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Pact @prisonadvice.bsky.social · 05/09/2025
Every day, Pact works to keep families together, provide practical and emotional support, and offer the chance of a fresh start for those affected by imprisonment. A donation today could help us support thousands of people in prison and their loved ones. 🔗 LINK BELOW #CharityDay #FamiliesMatter
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Pact @prisonadvice.bsky.social · 03/09/2025
With the #SentencingBill introduced to Parliament yesterday, we break down some of the Bill’s key proposals and answer some of the most commonly asked questions from defendants, people in prison, and their families... 🔗 Follow the link below.
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Pact @prisonadvice.bsky.social · 03/09/2025
With children and young people heading #BackToSchool this week, is your #school equipped to support those with loved ones in prison? Available in English and Welsh, from early years to secondary, you can download for free today (link below).
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Pact @prisonadvice.bsky.social · 02/09/2025
Pact CEO, Andy Keen-Downs, welcomes the Sentencing Bill, but warns 'serious questions remain': "Ministers would do well to implement David Gauke’s recommendation to increase funding for the voluntary sector to provide greater support to our hard-pressed probation services to meet demand."
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