HMP EASTWOOD PARK - FAMILY SUPPORT WORK

Emily Tait is improving support for the children and families of the 360 female prisoners, 75% of whom have a child under 16.

Long distances
For many of these women, keeping in touch with family is extremely difficult and can be a cause of great distress. The prison is in rural Gloucestershire, and families have to travel huge distances to pay a visit. The prison's massive catchment area stretches from the tip of Cornwall to the Midlands, and includes Devon, Dorchester and South Wales.

The prison also holds some foreign nationals, who find keeping in contact with their families incredibly difficult.

Difficult backgrounds
Many of the imprisoned women come from chaotic and unsafe backgrounds, and are dealing with issues such as having been in care, of substance misuse, or domestic violence. Not surprisingly, many suffer from mental health problems, and substance misuse rates are high.

What happens to the children?
Most of the women sent to HMP Eastwood Park have young children. If other family members are unable to look after the children, they are taken into care. Some mothers' children are put up for adoption while they are in jail. pact is working to try and support women through these incredibly difficult, traumatic experiences.

For more information
Contact Emily Tait on Emily.Tait@hmps.gsi.gov.uk

The play area inside HMP Eastwood Park