Advice by families, for families
Whatever you're doing to support your loved one, it will be making a difference. Even if you feel like you aren't getting very far with changing things, it will give your loved one strength just to know that someone is out there, sticking by them and doing their best to help.
Keep going and take notes
It might be a long journey, so take things one step at a time. Take written notes of the efforts you and your loved one make to deal with issues – for example, note down names, ranks, dates, action points and summaries of conversations. Keep a paper trail – this will be useful if you have follow-up conversations or in the event that you need to raise a complaint.
Take care of yourself
The stress of the situation will probably take its toll on you too, so make sure you have as much support around you as you can. There will be limits to what you can do – be kind to yourself and look after your own wellbeing too.
Know that you are not alone
There are tens of thousands of families in England and Wales who are in a similar situation of trying to support their loved ones with health needs in prison. Email Pact to connect with our friendly team of families who are in the same boat – our coffee mornings offer a safe space for you to get support without being judged.
Our top tips
Our top tips have been compiled by families for families supporting their loved ones in prison.
Tips on staying positive
- Keep in touch with your loved one to get updates about their care. Whilst the prison and healthcare teams have limits on the information they can share with you, there are no rules stopping your loved one from telling you about their own health.
- Where possible, try to keep an open mind. It's easy to assume the worst, especially if you don’t have much information, but things might not always be as bad as they seem.
Tips for if the prison or healthcare teams won’t share information with you
Tips for if nobody seems to be listening
Tips for if things seem to be taking a long time
Tips for if your loved one is reluctant to ask for help
Tips for if you seem to be getting passed around the houses
Come to our coffee morning
Every month, Pact runs a coffee morning in central London for families with a loved one in prison.
It's a safe, non-judgmental space to get support and chat with people who know what it's like.
Sessions are professionally facilitated by Pact. Coffee and snacks are on us.