We continue to support StoryBook Dads in HMP Erlestoke, an initiative which helps parents in prison to record bedtime stories and messages for their children on CDs and DVDs. These are sent to the child and bring comfort to them as they can hear or see their parent whenever they need to. An article in
We are saddened that Sir Christopher Benson, one of our longstanding Patrons of the Friends, died on the 21st January 2024, aged 90, after a long-term illness. He had been a Patron and supporter of our charity since 2012 and we are grateful for his support over the last 12 years. He will be sorely
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Emma Leigh-Bennett who has joined our Trustee team. Emma lives in Wiltshire and has worked in education for 30 years. She is currently the Headteacher of Kingsdown School in Swindon. Emma is passionate about enhancing the life chances of children in and outside of the classroom. We
At the end of May 2023, Belinda Southwell, our founder, ex-Chair and Trustee stepped down from our Trustee Board. The charity, as it is today, emerged from Belinda’s vision from 12 years ago when the charity was born. Its growth, development and successes are founded on Belinda’s passion to support the men of HMP Erlestoke and their families and we will continue to
The Trustees recently reviewed our charitable status and have changed it from being an Unincorporated Trust to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). We are still a registered charity with all the benefits that brings but now, as we are incorporated, we can employ staff or enter into contracts more easily. The new charity has been
The Friends are delighted to announce that we have appointed a new Co-ordinator for our Transport Scheme. We feel extremely lucky to have engaged Les Drage who has a wealth of experience working with people and has top notch organisational skills. He has already launched himself energetically into the role and we look forward to
We are pleased to welcome Nick Crean to our Trustee team. Nick brings a wealth of experience to the Friends. He is Vice President of Contact, a charity which works with families of disabled children and also Director of The October Club, the City of London’s foremost annual fund raising dinner.
We are pleased to welcome Sir Charles Hobhouse to the Friends as our newest Patron. Charles has recently stepped down from the role of High Sheriff of Wiltshire. He has a long standing interest in criminal justice, particularly prisons and mental health and was a keen supporter of the Friends during his time as High
At the end of the 2021/22 financial year Angela Hughes stepped down from role of Chair after 3.5 years. From 1st April 2022, Primrose Campbell, who joined the Friends as a trustee in July 2019, was appointed Chair. Angela has remained on the Board of Trustees.
Thank you to everyone who attended the excellent talk given by Robert Gordon in October. We are pleased that this finally happened despite several postponements due to Covid.
