Pact responds to 'the Long Stretch 2'

In response to the publication of 'The Long Stretch 2' by the Prison Reform Trust, Andy Keen-Downs, CEO of Pact said: 

"This report is a welcome reminder of the hidden sentences that families serve when a loved-one is sent to prison. Behind many long-term prison sentences lie a story of profound emotional strain, financial hardship, and social isolation for those left behind.

"Families describe the experience as a 'living bereavement,' losing years of birthdays, milestones, and ordinary moments that can never be reclaimed. These impacts are not peripheral - they strike at the heart of family stability and wellbeing.

"At Pact, we see daily how maintaining family ties is essential for rehabilitation and reducing reoffending. Support from families also plays a crucial role in keeping people safe in prison, and in ensuring that mental and physical healthcare needs are understood. Yet too often, families face stigma, prohibitive travel costs, and a lack of clear information, leaving them feeling excluded and unsupported. 

"This report rightly calls for a refresh of the Farmer Review to ensure that the principles of family engagement are embedded across the justice system. We strongly endorse this recommendation.

"Supporting families is not an optional extra - it is fundamental to building safer communities and giving children hope for a better future. We urge policymakers to act on these findings and invest in practical and emotional support for families."

ENDS 

Pact research published in 2023 found that: 

• 50% of families express concerns about affording what they need to care for their children.
• 38% spend a quarter or more of their household income supporting a loved-one in prison.
• More than half find it difficult or very difficult to pay for some of the basics, including being able to afford food (49%), heating (50%) and clothes / shoes (68%).
• 71% are spending two days a week or more of their time to support their loved-one.
• 83% said that their mental health was worse or a lot worse; 71% said that their physical health was worse or a lot worse.