Pact is a pioneering national charity that supports people in prison, people with convictions, and their families. We run the @PFHelpline - 0808 808 2003.
UK
Joined March 2009
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More people were recalled to prison than released in the first quarter of 2026.
Just 22% of recalls involved a further charge.
As @AndyKeenDowns told the Times and Guardian, tackling prison overcrowding can't just be about getting people out. It's about helping them stay out.
ALT Prison gate background with central headline: "Record recall rate driven by licence condition breaches – not new offences", accompanied by The Guardian, The Times and Pact logos.
Everyone's talking about prison releases. But new stats reveal another side of the overcrowding crisis: for every prisoner released, another is being sent back. Most recalls are not linked to a new offence.
prisonadvice.org.uk/latest/n…
ALT Urgent new stats: prison recall rate passes 100%. A lone person walks toward a prison gate topped with razor wire, next to bold text reading "For every prisoner released, another is being sent back."
Pact retweeted
If your loved one in prison needs to make a complaint to the prison or to IPCI / @PPOmbudsman, this is how they do it:
We're very sorry to see @JamesTCobbler step down. He brought real dedication to reducing reoffending and improving prisons.
Let's hope his successor brings the passion, humility and commitment needed for lasting change.
📸 Pact volunteer awards 2025
It was great to meet with @JakeBenRichards and @JoshMacAlister recently. Our Young Ambassadors, who led the meeting, are aged 16-20 and have/had a parent in prison.
They're looking forward to taking a closer look at these plans as they develop.
In our manifesto, we promised to offer better support for the almost 200,000 children who have parents in prison. 🌹
Today, @JoshMacAlister and I have launched a new initiative that will help us identify and help these often very vulnerable children.
We made a promise to then and the incredible groups that support them. Happy to make such important progress. ✅
@politicshome @ChildrenHandS @prisonadvice
politicshome.com/opinion/art…
Pact retweeted
Super important opportunity for families of prisoners at @hmpbirmingham.
We’re running 2-3 focus groups for Asian men and women to share their concerns & improvements for visitation in HMP Birmingham.
Share with those who may benefit from this opportunity.
#BirminghamUK
Pact retweeted
In our manifesto, we promised to offer better support for the almost 200,000 children who have parents in prison. 🌹
Today, @JoshMacAlister and I have launched a new initiative that will help us identify and help these often very vulnerable children.
We made a promise to then and the incredible groups that support them. Happy to make such important progress. ✅
@politicshome @ChildrenHandS @prisonadvice
politicshome.com/opinion/art…
We welcome today's @MoJGovUK and @educationgovuk announcement about work to identify children with a parent in prison.
Better information sharing is a positive step – but identification must be matched by meaningful support.
Our Young Pact Ambassadors will be scrutinising the proposals. As young people with lived experience, their voices matter.
Read the full response from Pact CEO @AndyKeenDowns 👇👇
buff.ly/hoHs8Yf
@JoshMacAlister @JakeBenRichards
#ChildrenWithAPrisonerParent
Pact retweeted
Chief Inspector calls for an increase in the "woeful levels of activity in prison"
Charlie Taylor describes how long lock up times and poor regimes are causing frustration, boredom and despair.
via @HMIPrisonsnews
russellwebster.com/chief-ins…
The HMIP Annual Report highlights the reality many prisoners face every day: too much time locked up, poor conditions, and too little hope for the future.
Relationships are the golden thread of rehabilitation. Strong family ties help people cope in custody, prepare for release and build a better future.
Read Pact CEO @andykeendowns response 👇
prisonadvice.org.uk/latest/n…
We were delighted to welcome Professor Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England, as keynote speaker at an event we held this week on challenges and opportunities in Health & Justice.
His speech acknowledged the major improvements in healthcare in the past two decades, but set out the challenges facing the system – an ageing prison population, high levels of self-harm and high-risk transitions as people enter and leave custody. He called for a greater focus on prevention, digital innovation and joined-up working across health and justice systems.
He also emphasised the importance of involving families and carers, recognising the unique insights and support they can provide in improving health outcomes.
Supporting children with a parent in prison takes more than one service.
🤝 Joined-up working—across prisons, schools & social care—means better, more coordinated support and fewer children falling through the gaps.
Read more:
prisonadvice.org.uk/latest/n…
We welcome the announcement from @MoJGovUK that @AmberRuddUK will lead a review into prisons.
However, there has been no shortage of reviews in recent years. This one will only make a difference if it delivers change.
Full response from @AndyKeenDowns 👇
buff.ly/TWnLwqy
Strong governance is essential for impact.
We’re recruiting a Trustee & Chair of our Finance, Risk and Audit Committee to help ensure Pact can continue supporting families affected by imprisonment.
👉 pact.livevacancies.co.uk/#/j…
#Trustee #Governance
💙 This #FathersDay, Kiran shares:
“I was 12 when my dad went to prison… having your dad in prison leaves a big hole. We lost those years together.”
🔗 prisonadvice.org.uk/stories/…
🤝 Our Young Ambassadors met with @JoshMacAlister and @JakeBenRichards to share their experiences of having a parent in prison.
By speaking directly to decision makers, they’re helping shape services and systems for families affected by imprisonment.
🚨 What does good practice really look like when it comes to supporting families affected by imprisonment?
In Swansea, Pact is working in prisons, courts and in schools to deliver a joined up, whole-family approach that stops people falling through the gaps
👉 Read more:
prisonadvice.org.uk/get-help…
