Having a parent in prison can impact a child’s life in many ways from their education, mental health to the social stigma to having a parent in prison. The rainbow project aims to support the families by facilitating family days, providing  adult education and family time initiatives.

History of the HMP Hewell Rainbow Project

Over 20 Years Ago

The journey at HMP Hewell began with dedicated ‘Mothers’ Union’ volunteers working in the Category B visits play area at the prison.

2006

YMCA Worcestershire secured 4 years of funding from ‘Children in Need’, with part of the funding also coming directly from the prison for the Visitor’s Centre, play area, and main visits.

2008

With the merging of 3 prisons (Categories B/C/D), the project expanded to cover 4 play areas across all sites, with work being developed and shared throughout.

2009

The project was honoured with its first Butler Trust Award, a national recognition for its innovative work with prisoners and their families—at a time when family support was not a top priority in most prisons.

2012

The project received Big Lottery (BL) funding via YMCA Worcestershire for the next 3 years, allowing further development of the work within the prison and the opportunity to reach out to the families of the men in care.

2016

The Hewell Rainbow Project (HRP) was officially born, with a second round of BL funding awarded for 3 more years. The project continued to be managed in partnership with YMCA Worcestershire and Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS).

2017

The government commissioned Lord Michael Farmer to review the importance of strengthening prisoners’ family ties in reducing reoffending, leading to Barnardo’s joining the project at HMP Hewell to support families.

2020

A third round of BL funding was awarded to HRP for Phase 2, ‘Rainbow in the Cloud’. Due to the pandemic and furlough restrictions, the start date was delayed to August 2020.

2022

Barnardo’s exited the project, and PACT (Prison Advice and Care Trust) took over, providing ongoing support in the Visitor’s Centre.

2023

HRP received its second Butler Trust Award, a prestigious national recognition, for its work with prisoners and families—nominated by a prisoner and awarded by the Princess Royal at St. James’ Palace.

2023 - August

The second round of BL funding ended, and the team, once 8 strong—including play workers and course tutors—was reduced to 2. With ongoing efforts to secure smaller pockets of funding and match funding from HMP Hewell, we remain committed to continuing the vital work of HRP.

2025

Now managed by one dedicated person, the project continues thanks to ongoing funding efforts and the securing of grants, proving that even in challenging times, the mission of the HRP lives on.

Hidden Sentence Training

Hidden Sentence training is for any employees or volunteers whose work brings them into contact with families of prisoners, including health professionals, school staff, child care providers, social workers, youth workers, play workers, local authority staff or community/voluntary workers.

View Hidden Sentence Flyer.

Parenting courses

Courses are run by an inhouse team that aims to develop the understanding of what it means to be a dad and to support families in maintaining a bond between parent and child.

Family Days

In addition to a normal visit family days enable the children to visit their father in a relaxed and enjoyable event. There will be an area for the child to play with toys and a play worker that supports the children playing. The day tries to create some ‘normality’ for the children and enable them to have quality time with their parents.

Story book Dad

Story book dads enable parents in prison to send a story disc to their children. This enables them to hear a story from their parents without them being there, this could be a bedtime message and their favorite story but it offers a comfort for the children.

Art Workshops

Prisoners can take part in craft workshops including card making. This enables the fathers to create personalised gifts that can be sent to the child. This enables a child to hear from their father during important occasions

Stage 2 Project Report

To view our Hewell Rainbow Project Stage 2 Interim Evaluation Report, please click here.

Contact

For further dates or more information about this free training please contact

Family Support Lead – Helen Smith

helen.smith@ymcaworcestershire.org.uk

More information about the Hewell Rainbow Project