Jigsaw workshops: raising awareness about the needs of children and families affected by imprisonment in West Yorkshire

We support professionals because helping children and families affected by imprisonment works best when we work together. By partnering with schools, early years providers, family hubs, criminal justice services and community organisations, we share knowledge, guidance and practical tools to ensure children get the support they need. Our aim is to strengthen the network around each family, making it easier for professionals to respond with confidence, compassion and understanding.

We deliver a programme of two different workshops for professionals working with children and families in West Yorkshire:

1. In-prison workshop at HMP Leeds and HMP Wealstun. These FREE half-day workshops at HMP Leeds and HMP Wealstun give children and family practitioners (teachers, Early Help, healthcare, early years etc.) in West Yorkshire an opportunity to better understand children’s experiences of visiting a family member in custody. Participants will explore the impact of imprisonment on families, visit the prison’s visit hall and hear directly from both parents in custody and prison officers. It’s a powerful way to deepen understanding about how to support children and families affected by imprisonment.
2. Online workshop: connecting childcare professionals to prisons This FREE 1.5 hour online workshop is delivered by Jigsaw’s specialist Inside Out family support service. The workshop is for any professionals working with children and young people in West Yorkshire and provides an opportunity to learn more about the impact of parental imprisonment and how to support children and families impacted.