Even very short prison sentences can have a devastating impact on families, separating an estimated 17,000 children from their mothers each year, often into emergency foster care. It is estimated that a third of women in prison have themselves been in care. Women can also lose their jobs and housing through imprisonment. There is a huge lack of community alternatives to prison for women and their children across England and Wales.

This funding will allow our Hope Street Team to support women and children together in our safe and family friendly spaces. Hope Street has a crèche and play area, teen space, visitor lounge/garden and calming spaces that help facilitate positive contact and strength relationships and wellbeing. The team will provide family support and parenting sessions, as well as trips and activities. Funds will also support our influencing work on preventing maternal separation by the justice system.