Thread by @JolyonMaugham

Children with a parent in prison have been severely impacted by a lack of prison visits.

This thread will share the work of @ChildrenHandS - an amazing charity providing support to children with a parent in prison across the country.👇

Most recent estimates show that around 312,000 children experience parental imprisonment each year. The true figure is unknown due to the lack of statutory framework in place to support, or even identify children who have a parent in prison.

Children with a parent in prison are at a much greater risk of experiencing ill-mental health, often caused by the shame and stigma associated with having a parent in prison.

Children have been the hardest hit by the pandemic with school closures and lack of time with friends. @ChildrenHandS 2020 report shows that having a parent in prison has adds to this distress leading to ill mental health, lack of sleep, eating disorders. childrenheardandseen.co.uk/wp-content/upl…

In-person visits have been replaced by limited, short phone calls which children are unable to engage with, especially pre/non-verbal children. Many families supported by @ChildrenHandS fear for what this will mean for relationships between their child and parent in prison.

As many look forward to lockdown easing, @ChildrenHandS continue to support children that are still dealing with the pains of not seeing their parent for over a year:

https://twitter.com/ChildrenHandS/status/1383074049203572738

As many look forward to lockdown easing, @ChildrenHandS continue to support children that are still dealing with the pains of not seeing their parent for over a year:

https://twitter.com/ChildrenHandS/status/1383074049203572738

Since the beginning of the pandemic @ChildrenHandS have been providing virtual 1-to-1 support, as well as setting up groups that enable families and children to come together in a safe, comforting space to share experiences and connect with each other.

https://twitter.com/ChildrenHandS/status/1378795487290134531

Support for children with a parent in prison is invaluable - check out these short clips put together by families supported by @ChildrenHandS

“They offer you proper support, they don’t just give you a leaflet”

youtube.com/playlist?list=…

You can volunteer your time to @ChildrenHandS by emailing [e-mail].

You can also donate here: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/donation-web/c…