Children Heard and Seen (CHAS) was established in 2014 to provide support for children with a parent in prison. Although there is no statutory database to identify children with a parent in prison, estimates suggest that up to 312,000 children are affected in the UK. Parental imprisonment is a recognised Adverse Childhood Experience and leads to diminished life outcomes.

Research shows that 65% of boys with a parent in prison go on to enter the prison system themselves. Of the over 1100+ children CHAS has supported, only five have gone on to commit an offence, a reduction to just 0.5%. This stark statistic highlights the difference CHAS makes in giving these children and young people the resources they deserve to find a healthy life path.

This project will provide monthly activities for 50 children and families who have a parent in prison living in Berkshire. Evidence shows that lower-income children have less structured, supervised play time than their wealthier counterparts. Solely partaking in unstructured activities has been associated with increased rates of smoking and drinking, as well as low academic achievement.

The monthly activities aim to reduce isolation, support healthy childhood development, improve emotional wellbeing, and improve educational and life outcomes. Activities are tailored to give children opportunities that they would otherwise not be able to take part in due to finances or due to their carer being in work. These activities will include a river cruise, museum trips, the climbing gym, and a living rainforest.

The opportunity to bring these families together and build a lived experience community will create a sustainable network so that families are empowered beyond their involvement with CHAS. Community support is key in providing positive interactions where children and families can share in experiences without the shame of stigma or fear of being misunderstood.