Blog: “It is always on my mind that I may never see them again”

Prisons are once again in the headlines. Shabana Mahmood—the new Lord Chancellor—was forced to announce the release of thousands of people to create capacity in our prisons within days of taking office; and a review of sentencing, chaired by the former Conservative Lord Chancellor David Gauke, was established with the aim of finding a long-term solution to the overcrowding crisis in our prisons.

The current pressure on prison places has largely been driven by the significant increase in people receiving long custodial sentences over the last two decades.

This growth in the long-term prison population inspired the Prison Reform Trust to launch its Building Futures Programme, to explore the experiences of people who will spend 10 or more years in custody.

On a rainy day in Manchester, the Prison Reform Trust and Partners of Prisoners (POPS) brought people together to launch the latest report from the Building Futures Programme—focusing on people’s ability to maintain, rebuild and develop supportive relationships whilst serving a long prison sentence.

The report, event and programme place the lived experience of those it seeks to represent at its centre. Based on consultations with 133 men and women aged 18 to 75, serving sentences in 38 UK prisons, the report’s findings and recommendations were developed in collaboration with those with the greatest insights. Platforms such as our Building Futures Working Groups, and Building Futures Network provide opportunities for prisoners to share their experiences and perspectives on their issues they face, as well their solutions.

At the event, we had the privilege of hearing from a mother, whose two sons are currently serving long sentences. She described her sons’ imprisonment as a “living bereavement,” and explained that long-term imprisonment affects not just those behind bars but also their families, who endure their own struggles and suffering.

A Long Stretch both acknowledges the work that has been done to support relationships inside, while also highlighting what is not working and where progress can be made, including for those who receive no visits when inside. The report’s key findings include:

• The vital role of relationships. The presence of supportive relationships is crucial for the mental health and wellbeing of prisoners, helping them feel human, cared for, and hopeful. Conversely, the absence of such relationships can lead to feelings of isolation, hopelessness, and despair.
• The multiple barriers people face in maintaining contact. Practical issues such as the high cost of phone calls, travel expenses for visits, and the lack of privacy during visits significantly hinder the ability of prisoners to maintain relationships. The pandemic exacerbated these challenges, although it also led to the introduction of video calls, which were widely welcomed.
• The important role of peer support. Peer mentors and those with lived experience play a vital role in supporting prisoners, providing emotional and practical support that can help alleviate the strains of long-term imprisonment.
• Wider systemic issues which undermine relationships. The report highlights systemic issues such as the inconsistent application of policies across prisons, the overuse of closed visits, and the lack of flexibility in recognising a broader range of supportive relationships beyond biological family ties.

We were delighted to welcome Lord Farmer to deliver the keynote address. His reviews have shone a light on the importance of relationships for those in prison and those who are left behind. During his speech he highlighted the considerable pressures that relatives and loved ones face; including the heightened and enduring concern for those living in prison, as well as practical issues such as debt—which can undermine safety.  In particular, he welcomed the report’s emphasis on the significant role that peer relationships have both informally or as Listeners, mentors and other forms of more formal support inside.

A key recommendation in A Long Stretch is for HM Prison and Probation Service to develop an ambitious ‘Partners in Progress’ strategy that does more to recognise and deploy the role of peers and other schemes — such a prison visits — and that enable prisoners to develop trusting relationships of support.

Other recommendations include:

• Increased flexibility in recognising relationships. Prisons should adopt a more flexible approach in recognising supportive relationships, including friendships and non-biological family ties, especially for those who grew up in care.
• Enhancing the role of peer workers and volunteers. The role of peer workers, those with lived experience, and volunteers should be expanded and better supported to provide meaningful engagement and support for prisoners.
• Reducing the cost of contact. Specific measures should be introduced to reduce the cost of maintaining contact, including providing a free weekly call to one named person for those serving long sentences.
• Increasing the use of technology. The use of technology, such as video calls and email, should be expanded and standardised across the prison estate to facilitate better communication between prisoners and their loved ones.

A key theme throughout the event was the damage unwittingly inflicted on people in the pursuit of being seen to be tough.

Long prison sentences don’t just affect those who are imprisoned; they also take a heavy toll on their families and those loved ones left behind, creating significant psychological, financial, and emotional stress and hardship. It is vital that support services are available, and resourced, to assist those to cope with the challenges they face.

By addressing these issues, we can begin to foster a more informed public discussion about the true costs of long sentences and advocate for a more compassionate approach to criminal justice.