Impact report 2025-2026 (3) - Flipbook - Page 15
OUR WORK IN PRISONS
Our core mission in the justice sector remains
focused on supporting the emotional needs of
young people with a parent in prison through the
use of gifted books to help maintain and foster vital
family ties during custody.
Share a Story offers incarcerated parents and their
children low-pressure, reassuring opportunities to
share positive and normal experiences during
separation. Receiving a book provides children with
physical confirmation that they are thought of,
whilst shared 8storytime9 over a phone is neutral
ground that supports a separated parent and child
to bond without pressure.
Key developments and expanded reach
2025-2026 has seen growth in both our distribution
volumes and strategic reach across the prison
estate despite high prison staff turnover and low
resource that present an ongoing barrier to growth.
We continue to broaden our footprint, recently
enrolling HMP Bronzefield, the UK's largest
female prison. We also scaled up book
availability at family days, reading festivals, and
for weekend temporary releases and were able to
dovetail our offer with the inaugural National
Children with a Parent in Prison Day to
coordinate widespread, targeted book orders
across multiple facilities.
During the year, the programme also received
growing recognition across the prison and literacy
sectors. It has been praised by Ofsted,
acknowledged by HM Prison and Probation
Service, and recognised by the National
Information Centre on Children of Offenders. This
external recognition reinforces what families
continue to tell us: that shared reading provides a
powerful and effective way of strengthening
family relationships while supporting children's
wellbeing.
Increased Book Gifting: 38,225 books have been
gifted this year, reflecting an extraordinary effort on
the part of our team and prison family liaison and
education officers. Shannon Trust staff support Pop
Up Bookshops where possible to ensure the most
meaningful experience for prisoners.
95%
Paired Reading Initiatives: Two copies of the same
title enable parents and children to read together
during calls or discuss the stories during visits.
74%
38,635 books gifted
95% of families agreed the programme is an
effective way of maintaining family
relationships with a parent in prison.
74% agreed in receipt of their second or
subsequent book pack said their child felt closer
to their imprisoned family member as a result.
31 prisons (including six
women9s prisons) and four YOI
institutions engaged
9,920 children directly chose or
were sent a book of their own
