Creating Belonging for Children with a Parent in Prison

Children’s Mental Health Week (9^th – 15^th February) shines a spotlight on the importance of children’s emotional wellbeing. It was started in 2015 to give a voice to all children and young people and to raise awareness of children and young people’s mental health.

Organised by Place2Be, this year’s theme ‘This Is My Place’ focuses on helping children and young people feel a sense of belonging, safety and connection in the spaces that matter most to them.

Place2Be provides a range of free resources for schools, families and community groups, including assemblies, creative activities and fundraising packs. These tools can help children explore what belonging means to them and how to create inclusive spaces for others.

It encourages schools, families and professionals to use this week as an opportunity to reflect on the hidden challenges some children face and how small acts of understanding can make a lasting difference.

For children with a parent in prison, that sense of belonging can be fragile and it’s something LAT is deeply committed to protecting and rebuilding.

When a child’s sense of place is disrupted

Children impacted by parental imprisonment often experience uncertainty, anxiety and stigma. Visiting a prison can be overwhelming, unfamiliar and emotionally complex. Without the right support, children may feel that these spaces and the conversations around them are not designed for them.

Yet we know that belonging is a cornerstone of good mental health. When children feel informed, prepared, welcomed and supported, it helps reduce fear, build resilience and strengthen relationships that are vital to their wellbeing.

Helping children feel safe, supported and seen

As part of LAT’s ongoing commitment to supporting the mental health of children affected by a person in prison, we deliver a range of strategies and projects designed to help children feel that this is their place too.

Creating visible, welcoming support in visit centres

Through pop-up stands in our visit centres, we promote key calendar events such as World Book Day, Neurodiversity Celebration and Recognition Week and provide signposting to other mental health support services. These stands offer children and families accessible information, reassurance and opportunities to engage in positive, confidence-building activities during visits.

Strengthening bonds through reading

Our Reading Programme, delivered by our Family and Significant Other teams, supports prisons to encourage shared reading between children and their parent. By providing a book for them to read together, we help:

• Strengthen emotional bonds
• Encourage meaningful conversation
• Create positive shared experiences, even in challenging circumstances

For many children, reading together becomes a moment of connection and comfort, a reminder that relationships can continue and grow.

Supporting neurodivergent children in prison environments

We actively promote inclusion for neurodivergent children visiting prisons by helping them feel safer and more comfortable in what can be a sensory-challenging environment. This includes providing:

• Hidden disability lanyards to discreetly signal additional needs
• Noise-cancelling headphones to reduce sensory overload

These small adjustments can make a significant difference, helping children feel understood and supported rather than overwhelmed.

Preparing children before their visit

To help settle nerves and reduce anxiety, we provide clear, child-friendly information before visits. During child visitor inductions, we explain:

• What to expect during the visit
• The processes and surroundings they will encounter
• Reassurance that support is available

Children are also told to look out for staff wearing purple T-shirts if they would like extra help during their visit. Knowing what will happen and who they can turn to helps children feel more in control and secure.

Building wider understanding through Ambassador Days

We host Ambassador Days within prisons, inviting professionals from schools, local authorities and care teams to better understand the prison environment and visiting process. These days help professionals to:

• Gain insight into the experiences of children with a parent in prison
• Build confidence in supporting children on their caseloads
• Reduce stigma and misinformation

By improving understanding across services, we help ensure children receive consistent, informed support wherever they are.

Getting involved during Children’s Mental Health Week

Children’s Mental Health Week reminds us that belonging doesn’t happen by accident – it’s created through intention, understanding and compassion.

Every book shared, every explanation given, every adjustment made for a child’s needs sends a powerful message:

• You are welcome here
• You are safe
• You matter

Making belonging a reality – how you can get support

Children affected by parental imprisonment deserve the same sense of safety, connection,

and emotional wellbeing as any other child. This Children’s Mental Health Week, let’s

continue working together to ensure every child can confidently say: “This is my place.”

When children feel they belong, their mental health and their future is stronger.

If you are caring for a child with a parent in prison, you don’t have to face it alone.

Our team is here to help offering confidential support, guidance and a listening ear.

Please get in touch at hello@LATcharity.org.uk or call us on 01522 806611.