Providing emergency welfare grants for families in need
Thanks to the generous support of foundations, trusts and donors, we can offer emergency grants to people affected by imprisonment. In 2021/22, we awarded more than £60,000 to prisoners and their families, with £145 granted on average.
Typical requests are for essentials such as food, clothing, and toiletries, particularly for prison leavers who do not have established links with food banks or changes of clothing on release.
Not only do welfare grants ensure former prisoners are better able to take positive steps following their release, but they also help to reduce some of the harm caused by imprisonment to prisoners’ children and family members.
Sam & Sophia's story
Sam* was a father in custody in HMP Isis. He had been receiving regular support from Pact as he struggled with his sentence and not being there to support his partner, Sofia, and their two children.
Sofia received support from a Pact befriending volunteer, but she frequently had to turn to food and clothes banks.
Pact was able to support Sofia and the children with an emergency welfare grant, providing a £100 clothing voucher and a £100 voucher for her local supermarket.
Sofia said: "Libby (A Pact worker) took her time to speak to me and my family on how we were doing. My partner can also confide in her and speak to her about the problems we’re facing on the outside. Libby rang me one day and spoke to me about a grant Pact they can offer. It was amazing knowing there is support in place for those who are struggling knowing their partners are inside. I'm thankful that I was accepted for this grant which now means I can get my children good meals and warm clothes. I'm so grateful. Thank you again."
These grants empower vulnerable individuals to navigate the challenges caused by imprisonment and make a fresh start.