Family Matters
Maintaining connections
At HMP Peterborough we are dedicated to helping reduce the risk of re-offending by ensuring that all relationships are not only maintained, but strengthened through contact and creating a sense of purpose while in custody.
The Family Matters team is based in the visits entry area and provides support to both visitors and prisoners. They help to maintain or rebuild relationships, working with both internal and external agencies.
Prisoners can request 1-to-1 support through the kiosk or be referred by staff and partner agencies. Support includes general advice, liaising with social services, courts and adoption teams. They can also supervise family contact sessions.
The Family Matters team hosts Family Days events throughout the year to strengthen family bonds. These include interactive sessions with children and families, games and seasonal events.
The Family Matters Team also support prisoners who are not in contact with their families while they are in custody. Prisoners who don’t have family contacts can arrange to meet with a peer support worker (another prisoner) to enable them to experience the environment and opportunities of the visits hall.
What we do
On-going support for prisoners
Prisoners can apply on the kiosk to see us and they will be offered an appointment in the Link. We will support them with their family needs - this could be helping with contact with their children, arranging letter box contact, organising facilitated phone calls and visits, or simply offering encouragement and guidance to help build or rebuild ties with loved ones.
Collaboration with Social Services and partners
We work closely with social services and other partners like schools, the Local Authority Family Hub and the Friends of Peterborough to provide comprehensive support to families.
Open-door support for visitors
We are situated in the visits reception area and operate an open-door policy for family members and visitors. Whether you need information, reassurance, or ongoing support, we are here to listen and assist when possible. We can also be contacted at PBfamilymatters@sodexogov.co.uk
Family and Significant Other Days
We organise regular four-hour Family Days where prisoners and their loved ones can enjoy quality time together in a relaxed, child-friendly environment filled with games and fun activities.
Parenting and family clubs
Our monthly clubs provide mums, dads and grandparents in custody a safe space to share experiences, build confidence and take part in meaningful parenting discussions and creative crafts.
Family room
We offer a relaxed child friendly family room where supervised facilitated visits take place. This space is designed to support safe, meaningful interaction between prisoners and their families, particularly in more sensitive or structured circumstances.