Summer of Connection: Highlights from Our Charity’s Work

 

This summer has been filled with colour, creativity, and connection across our projects. From joyful family days in prisons to vital health awareness events and new facilities that support dignity, our work has touched hundreds of lives over the past few months. Here’s a look back at some of the incredible things that have taken place:

HMP Wymott – Wyfest and a New Library Corner

We kicked off summer with Wyfest, a brilliant family day that brought fun and laughter into the prison. The Promethean Circus joined us, wowing children and families with their dazzling tricks – and even teaching a few of them!

Alongside this, we launched our brand-new library corner in the visitor centre. Children can now use their very own “Pops Wymott” library card to borrow books on each visit. The collection includes everything from picture books to teen reads, as well as dual-language titles, giving every child something to enjoy.

HMP Wakefield – Fun at the Fair

In August, we partnered with the team at HMP Wakefield to deliver a Fun at the Fair themed family day – and it was a roaring success! Families were entertained by a fantastic magician, enjoyed sweet treats (including candy floss spun by our own team!), and took part in glitter tattoos, a family quiz, and a treasure hunt.

The hall was filled with fairground favourites like Hook-a-Duck, Hoopla, Ten Pin Bowling, and even a Clown Coconut Shy. Laughter, teamwork, and togetherness filled the day, strengthening family bonds in a safe, relaxed environment.

Farida Women’s Centre – Health Awareness Day

Meanwhile, at the Farida Centre in Oldham, we hosted a Women’s Health Awareness Day. The event provided vital support and information, with NHS teams offering Hepatitis C testing, sexual health advice, and outreach services. Turning Point were also present, providing guidance on alcohol and drug support.

Alongside these services, we shone a light on Project Pearl, which supports women involved in sex work. Creative outlets such as poem writing and arts & crafts gave the day a reflective, uplifting touch.

HMP Liverpool – Supporting Mothers with Dignity

This summer also saw the opening of a new breastfeeding room at HMP Liverpool’s visitor centre. The space provides nursing mothers with privacy and dignity while visiting, helping families feel supported and respected.

Looking Back, Moving Forward

Each of these events reflects our desire to create spaces where families can connect, where individuals feel supported, and where dignity and wellbeing are prioritised. We are grateful to our partners, volunteers, and supporters who make this work possible.

As autumn approaches, we’re excited to continue building on this momentum with more projects and events that bring people together and change lives for the better.

Family Support Worker – HMP Liverpool

Family Support Worker – HMP Liverpool

As part of the POPS team the post holder will provide a welcoming, supportive and family-focused service to prisoners’ children, families and visitors. The role combines visitor centre support, play provision and refreshment services to help create a positive visit experience that promotes and maintains family relationships throughout a custodial sentence and supports preparation for release and resettlement.

Family Support Worker – HMP Liverpool

Family Support Worker – HMP Thorn Cross

As part of the POPS team the post holder will provide a welcoming, supportive and family-focused service to prisoners’ children, families and visitors. The role combines visitor centre support, play provision and refreshment services to help create a positive visit experience that promotes and maintains family relationships throughout a custodial sentence and supports preparation for release and resettlement.

Family Support Worker – HMP Liverpool

Lead Family Engagement Worker – HMP Manchester

Based within the prison establishment, the focus of the role is to oversee the delivery of POPS’ Visitor Centre and Family Welfare Service within the establishment and to work closely with prison staff to ensure POPS’ family welfare and support is embedded and is an integral part of the prison pathways at HMP Manchester; providing information, advice and guidance for prisoners’ children, families, and significant others, throughout the custodial sentence