Grant provides 1:1 Support for Children Impacted by Parental Imprisonment

Children Heard and Seen support children, young people and their families who are impacted by parental imprisonment. As the prison population continues to rise, so does the number of children impacted. Children Heard and Seen strive to support their needs, listen to their concerns, and have their views heard and reflected in policy.

In order to provide the support that was missing, Children Heard and Seen needed a dedicated support worker so children could be given the opportunity to explore their feelings around having a parent in prison, explore feelings around the criminal justice system and raise their aspirations for their futures.

15 children impacted by parental imprisonment, who would have otherwise struggled were able to get 1:1 support and they ran in-person activity groups for children over the school holidays, which allowed them to engage in positive activities, reduce isolation and connect with other children with a parent in prison, helping them to understand that they are not alone.

“I was first introduced to CHAS in 2020 when I was going through one of the worst times in my life. I have to say this was one of the best things to happen for me and my children. I was not aware there was such an organisation that can support me and my children through this difficult time. I honestly do not know what I would have done without them. I wouldn’t have been where I am without them. I could never thank them enough for being my only support then and now.” - Parent

Our mission is to continue to make a positive difference in the lives of those who live in our community by funding life changing projects across the city. Over the past 35 years, the Community Foundation have supported Milton Keynes charities with over £18m in rent subsidies and £15m in grant programmes. In 2021, we awarded £1.6m in grants to help local charitable organisations to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. To see how you could help us to have an even greater impact in our community, take a look at our giving page.