Her Majesty’s Prison Norwich

“Makes you glad to be on the outside of institutions filled with drugs, violence and fathers pining for the families they love. The film of prison visits is heartbreaking.”

The Observer

director

wild pictures: 1 x 60’, itv

From seasoned criminals to first timers, most inmates at HMP Norwich are husbands, fathers and sons. When coping with the harsh realities of prison life, family can be a lifeline and help break the cycle of reoffending. Half of all prisoners are fathers, leaving nearly a quarter of a million children with a parent inside – twice the number affected by divorce. Many families don’t survive this extreme test of separation. Nearly half of all prisoners lose touch with loved ones and a fifth of marriages break up under the strain. Yet those who manage to keep family ties alive are six times less likely to reoffend. This film gives a unique insight into the work of prison staff in trying to keep prisoners’ families together.

“A well-observed documentary. An eye-opening look at the pitfalls and privileges of prison life.’

Radio Times

“An eye-opening documentary. Reveals that life behind bars is a far from cushy ride - for both inmates and their families.”

The Mail

“One might infer from Kim Duke’s film that the Justice Secretary was experimenting with family contact as an aid to prisoner rehabilitation...There was no more poignant moment for me than the wedding anniversary card of Martin, who’s serving a six-year sentence for couriering drugs. ‘When I found you I found the perfect husband,’ it read.”

The Times

“How many wives were like Nick’s, prepared to bring her three young children past the sniffer dogs and body searches for some time with their father? Contrary to stories about Playstations and pizza deliveries, HMP Norwich looked like a place where privileges had to be earned.”

The Express

“It’s heartbreaking to see the dads reunited with their kids. With footage of fights, drug dealing, violence and lots of emotion, this documentary reveals how staff help inmates stay connected to their families.”

The Mirror

“I came away genuinely wondering how to deal with people like Rocky, with his twitchy wideboy’s strut and faraway eyes, who was on heroin at 17 and is now serving the latest of several prison terms. ‘I’m really trying now,’ he said defeatedly, watching his TV being carted away after yet another infraction: a phone charger found in his cell.”