Devon prison charity wins award

VIDEO: Storybook Dads connects separated families

A charity based near a Devon prison that helps keep inmates in touch with their young children has won a leading award for its work.

The Centre for Social Justice Foundation has recognised Storybook Dads, which works with prisoners at Channing's Wood and Exeter jails, and awarded it £10,000 to boost its work.

The foundation helps improve the lives of some of the most disadvantaged people and its award scheme celebrates small charities that have supported vulnerable people, including prisoners' families.
 
Storybook Dads, based in Denbury, allows around 312,000 children who have experience of a parent being in about 100 prisons in the UK.

They say many such parents are moved to prisons far away from their families, meaning communication can be limited. Storybook Dads enables imprisoned parents to record bedtime stories and messages for their children (including women’s prisons where the project is known as Storybook Mums). 

Personalised stories and gifts show the children they are loved and helps the parent maintain a positive impact on their children’s lives from behind bars.

Sharon Berry, CEO and founder of Storybook Dads - said: "We have a unique family-centred approach that responds to nurturing both parent and child at a vulnerable stage. Winning a CSJ Award will help raise our profile and fund our projects which have made an exceptional difference to the lives of children struggling while a parent is in prison. The chances of a prisoner reoffending are up to six times less likely when family ties are maintained. We help to give back a little of what prison takes away.’