Children Heard and Seen (CHaS) supports children and young people affected by parental imprisonment, a group at increased risk of emotional distress, stigma, and isolation. CHAS provides trauma-informed emotional support, mentoring, group activities, and awareness-raising with schools and professionals to ensure children are identified and supported early.

With ALMT’s support in 2025, Children Heard and Seen (CHaS) established a dedicated programme in Berkshire where no specialist provision previously existed. CHaS provided activities and positive interactions where children and families could share in experiences without shame or stigma.

This new, two-year project will fund a Project Coordinator to provide support for affected children and families in Berkshire, including matching mentors, providing training in schools. Activities for families are tailored to reduce isolation, support healthy childhood development, improve emotional wellbeing, and improve educational and life outcomes.

A specialist Families Practitioner will also offer targeted support for children who need it. Individual and group work will provide deeper emotional intervention, particularly for children experiencing anxiety, stigma, or instability linked to their parent’s imprisonment.

Regular activity days will be held for children and families, plus awareness sessions and briefings for schools and professionals to support earlier identification of children affected by parental imprisonment.

CHAS’s specialist support enables children and families to feel less isolated and better connected to peer networks, improving their confidence, wellbeing and hope for the future.