Andy Keen-Downs CBE
@andykdpact.bsky.social
Chief Executive of Pact (the Prison Advice & Care Trust).
Reposted by Andy Keen-Downs CBE
Around 1 in 15 children will have a parent in prison during their time at school. Pact provides practical (CPD-accredited) training and resources to support teachers and other staff in caring for affected families with compassion and confidence.
August 28, 2025 at 7:28 AM
Around 1 in 15 children will have a parent in prison during their time at school. Pact provides practical (CPD-accredited) training and resources to support teachers and other staff in caring for affected families with compassion and confidence.
Reposted by Andy Keen-Downs CBE
Find out more: www.prisonadvice.org.uk/professional...
Schools
Pact supports prisoners, people with convictions, and their families across England and Wales.
www.prisonadvice.org.uk
August 28, 2025 at 7:28 AM
Find out more: www.prisonadvice.org.uk/professional...
Reposted by Andy Keen-Downs CBE
Know a young person with a family member in prison? We’re looking for young people to help with our research....
📧 Email Jo at mulcahyj1@cardiff.ac.uk
▶️ Watch the video - link below
📧 Email Jo at mulcahyj1@cardiff.ac.uk
▶️ Watch the video - link below
August 14, 2025 at 7:28 AM
Know a young person with a family member in prison? We’re looking for young people to help with our research....
📧 Email Jo at mulcahyj1@cardiff.ac.uk
▶️ Watch the video - link below
📧 Email Jo at mulcahyj1@cardiff.ac.uk
▶️ Watch the video - link below
Reposted by Andy Keen-Downs CBE
With @prisonadvice.bsky.social, we're calling on the Government and NHS to dismantle these barriers and expand the role of families and carers in their loved ones’ treatment.
Learn more in our new policy paper: www.centreformentalhealth.org.uk/news/item/in...
Learn more in our new policy paper: www.centreformentalhealth.org.uk/news/item/in...
Invest in better mental health support for people in the criminal justice system, say charities - Centre for Mental Health
Investing in community mental health services would help to ease the pressure on the prison system by diverting more people from custody.
www.centreformentalhealth.org.uk
July 23, 2025 at 11:47 AM
With @prisonadvice.bsky.social, we're calling on the Government and NHS to dismantle these barriers and expand the role of families and carers in their loved ones’ treatment.
Learn more in our new policy paper: www.centreformentalhealth.org.uk/news/item/in...
Learn more in our new policy paper: www.centreformentalhealth.org.uk/news/item/in...
Reposted by Andy Keen-Downs CBE
🗣️ “I was at my wits' end about my son not getting the right care and medication. When I spoke to the prison, their attitude seemed to be that I was the problem.”
Families often play a crucial role in caring for loved ones in prison. But too often, they feel ignored or “locked out” of the system 👇
Families often play a crucial role in caring for loved ones in prison. But too often, they feel ignored or “locked out” of the system 👇
July 23, 2025 at 11:47 AM
🗣️ “I was at my wits' end about my son not getting the right care and medication. When I spoke to the prison, their attitude seemed to be that I was the problem.”
Families often play a crucial role in caring for loved ones in prison. But too often, they feel ignored or “locked out” of the system 👇
Families often play a crucial role in caring for loved ones in prison. But too often, they feel ignored or “locked out” of the system 👇
Reposted by Andy Keen-Downs CBE
Prisons are facing a mounting mental health crisis.
➡️ Rates of self-harm have more than tripled in the last decade
➡️ Among prisoners, 56% of men & 74% of women report having mental health problems
➡️ Too many unwell prisoners face long waits for transfer to hospital
We need change - now.
➡️ Rates of self-harm have more than tripled in the last decade
➡️ Among prisoners, 56% of men & 74% of women report having mental health problems
➡️ Too many unwell prisoners face long waits for transfer to hospital
We need change - now.
Invest in better mental health support for people in the criminal justice system, say charities - Centre for Mental Health
Investing in community mental health services would help to ease the pressure on the prison system by diverting more people from custody.
www.centreformentalhealth.org.uk
July 22, 2025 at 12:06 PM
Prisons are facing a mounting mental health crisis.
➡️ Rates of self-harm have more than tripled in the last decade
➡️ Among prisoners, 56% of men & 74% of women report having mental health problems
➡️ Too many unwell prisoners face long waits for transfer to hospital
We need change - now.
➡️ Rates of self-harm have more than tripled in the last decade
➡️ Among prisoners, 56% of men & 74% of women report having mental health problems
➡️ Too many unwell prisoners face long waits for transfer to hospital
We need change - now.
Reposted by Andy Keen-Downs CBE
Investing in community mental health services would help to ease the pressure on prisons and reduce reoffending. That’s the conclusion of a new paper we’ve published today with @centreformh.bsky.social
#MentalHealth #PrisonReform #CriminalJusticeReform
#MentalHealth #PrisonReform #CriminalJusticeReform
July 22, 2025 at 8:10 AM
Investing in community mental health services would help to ease the pressure on prisons and reduce reoffending. That’s the conclusion of a new paper we’ve published today with @centreformh.bsky.social
#MentalHealth #PrisonReform #CriminalJusticeReform
#MentalHealth #PrisonReform #CriminalJusticeReform
So much to applaud in @davidgauke.bsky.social Sentencing Review. Prison population crisis must be tackled. @hmpps and voluntary sector partners now need to see the investment needed - not only for Probation & community - but for prisons too.
www.prisonadvice.org.uk/latest/news/...
www.prisonadvice.org.uk/latest/news/...
Sentencing Review highlights urgent need for improved regimes and engagement with prisoners’ families
Pact supports prisoners, people with convictions, and their families across England and Wales.
www.prisonadvice.org.uk
May 24, 2025 at 8:27 AM
So much to applaud in @davidgauke.bsky.social Sentencing Review. Prison population crisis must be tackled. @hmpps and voluntary sector partners now need to see the investment needed - not only for Probation & community - but for prisons too.
www.prisonadvice.org.uk/latest/news/...
www.prisonadvice.org.uk/latest/news/...
Reposted by Andy Keen-Downs CBE
Send a virtual Easter egg at www.prisonadvice.org.uk/easter-egg
April 18, 2025 at 7:28 AM
Send a virtual Easter egg at www.prisonadvice.org.uk/easter-egg
Reposted by Andy Keen-Downs CBE
Wishing a happy and peaceful Easter to all those we support in prison and the community, their children and families, and our partners, supporters, friends, and teams across England & Wales. ✝️☀️🌼
April 20, 2025 at 7:30 AM
Wishing a happy and peaceful Easter to all those we support in prison and the community, their children and families, and our partners, supporters, friends, and teams across England & Wales. ✝️☀️🌼
Amazing day yesterday at Windsor Castle where HRH The Princess Royal presented me with a CBE for services to prisoners and their children and families. Thank you to everyone who has ever supported me personally or the work of the charity I serve and love, @prisonadvice.bsky.social . Happy Easter!
April 17, 2025 at 3:47 PM
Amazing day yesterday at Windsor Castle where HRH The Princess Royal presented me with a CBE for services to prisoners and their children and families. Thank you to everyone who has ever supported me personally or the work of the charity I serve and love, @prisonadvice.bsky.social . Happy Easter!
It’s great that @hmiprisonsnews.bsky.social are doing a thematic on prisoners and their families. Please help spread the word that they want to hear from prisoners’ families.
We want to know how families and friends can make a difference to the experiences of people in prison.
If you have a family member or friend in prison, we want to hear from you.
Find out more at hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/our-consulta... or email hmiprisons.enquiries@hmiprisons.gov.uk
If you have a family member or friend in prison, we want to hear from you.
Find out more at hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/our-consulta... or email hmiprisons.enquiries@hmiprisons.gov.uk
April 11, 2025 at 10:55 AM
It’s great that @hmiprisonsnews.bsky.social are doing a thematic on prisoners and their families. Please help spread the word that they want to hear from prisoners’ families.
So Trump is coming to meet the King of Canada. I wonder if tariffs will be on the menu? www.canada.ca/en/canadian-...
About The Crown - Canada.ca
Canada is a constitutional monarchy. Learn about Canada’s Head of State, the Governor General and Lieutenant Governors, and the Parliament of Canada.
www.canada.ca
February 28, 2025 at 10:37 AM
So Trump is coming to meet the King of Canada. I wonder if tariffs will be on the menu? www.canada.ca/en/canadian-...
Some music for your Sunday from my sister Sarah Jay Hawley . Appropriately named for this platform (but no connection) youtu.be/11tvTarpprg
Blue Skies - Sarah Jay Hawley
YouTube video by Sarah Jay Hawley
youtu.be
February 16, 2025 at 12:26 PM
Some music for your Sunday from my sister Sarah Jay Hawley . Appropriately named for this platform (but no connection) youtu.be/11tvTarpprg
Austerity Budgets across our public services. Cuts to prison and probation funding. Ever longer prison sentences. Voluntary Sector cuts. Focus on prison building. The Result? The inherited socio-economic failure of a decade of bad policy and neglectful government .
www.thetimes.com/uk/crime/art...
www.thetimes.com/uk/crime/art...
Cost of reoffending rises to more than half total impact of crime
Analysis for The Times has revealed that a failure by the justice system to rehabilitate criminals has led to a £23.6 billion-a-year bill to the economy
www.thetimes.com
February 15, 2025 at 11:57 AM
Austerity Budgets across our public services. Cuts to prison and probation funding. Ever longer prison sentences. Voluntary Sector cuts. Focus on prison building. The Result? The inherited socio-economic failure of a decade of bad policy and neglectful government .
www.thetimes.com/uk/crime/art...
www.thetimes.com/uk/crime/art...
Reposted by Andy Keen-Downs CBE
📽️ We spoke on regional ITV News last night about the urgent need for mental healthcare reform for men and women in prison.
#MentalHealth #PrisonReform #SaferPrisons
#MentalHealth #PrisonReform #SaferPrisons
February 4, 2025 at 11:23 AM
📽️ We spoke on regional ITV News last night about the urgent need for mental healthcare reform for men and women in prison.
#MentalHealth #PrisonReform #SaferPrisons
#MentalHealth #PrisonReform #SaferPrisons
Reposted by Andy Keen-Downs CBE
The rates of people being recalled to prison have been rising for over a decade. Stats published yesterday show that for every 10 people leaving prison last summer, 7 people were recalled.
January 30, 2025 at 5:39 PM
The rates of people being recalled to prison have been rising for over a decade. Stats published yesterday show that for every 10 people leaving prison last summer, 7 people were recalled.
Reposted by Andy Keen-Downs CBE
Read the response from our CEO Andy Keen-Downs CBE - https://www.prisonadvice.org.uk/latest/news/new-figures-published-today-show-a-42-increase-in-prison-recalls/
New figures published today show a 42% increase in prison recalls
Pact supports prisoners, people with convictions, and their families across England and Wales.
www.prisonadvice.org.uk
January 30, 2025 at 5:39 PM
Read the response from our CEO Andy Keen-Downs CBE - https://www.prisonadvice.org.uk/latest/news/new-figures-published-today-show-a-42-increase-in-prison-recalls/
We supported two brave women who both have sons in prison to speak to @itvnews.bsky.social about what it’s like to be mentally ill inside . Mental Health reform is promised and is needed urgently. Needs a plan to speed up transfers from custody to care for those with serious mental illness.
Prison Advice and Care Trust (Pact) on LinkedIn: #mentalhealth #prisonreform #saferprisons
📽️ We spoke on regional ITV News last night about the urgent need for mental healthcare reform for men and women in prison.
#MentalHealth…
www.linkedin.com
February 4, 2025 at 8:16 PM
We supported two brave women who both have sons in prison to speak to @itvnews.bsky.social about what it’s like to be mentally ill inside . Mental Health reform is promised and is needed urgently. Needs a plan to speed up transfers from custody to care for those with serious mental illness.
Every few months I get the privilege of meeting a group of new Pact staff. We have a ‘Foundations’ day, as part of our onboarding, focused on our mission, vision & values. This week I’ll be doing this in Birmingham. Looking forward to it!
January 11, 2025 at 5:12 PM
Every few months I get the privilege of meeting a group of new Pact staff. We have a ‘Foundations’ day, as part of our onboarding, focused on our mission, vision & values. This week I’ll be doing this in Birmingham. Looking forward to it!
Reposted by Andy Keen-Downs CBE
PACT's Family Literacy in Prisons project invites fathers in prison to get involved in helping their children with reading. In the process, they improve both their own literacy and their family bonds. Last month Children's Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce visited HMP Featherstone to see how it works 👇
Frank Cottrell-Boyce's visit to Featherstone Prison
Find out what happened when Waterstones Children's Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce joined families at a Christmas event at HMP Featherstone.
buff.ly
January 11, 2025 at 9:00 AM
PACT's Family Literacy in Prisons project invites fathers in prison to get involved in helping their children with reading. In the process, they improve both their own literacy and their family bonds. Last month Children's Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce visited HMP Featherstone to see how it works 👇
I’m with Lord Alf on this (as with most things ). Standing with @jessphillipsmp.bsky.social
I hold @jessphillipsmp.bsky.social in the highest regard - a fantastic backbench MP, and now Minister, and a powerful advocate for the safety and rights of women and children. The attacks on her are baseless, shabby and misogynistic.
January 9, 2025 at 7:59 PM
I’m with Lord Alf on this (as with most things ). Standing with @jessphillipsmp.bsky.social
Reposted by Andy Keen-Downs CBE
Your regular reminder that we cannot build our way out of the prisons crisis ....
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Prisons plan will fall short by 2027, watchdog warns
Boris Johnson's pledge to create an extra 20,000 cells spaces is now not expected to be met until 2031.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 4, 2024 at 10:07 AM
Your regular reminder that we cannot build our way out of the prisons crisis ....
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Andy Keen-Downs CBE
This is a pretty alarming outlook for prisons. There has been so much to welcome since James Timpson took over as Prisons' Minister but without adequate funding in the medium term his hands will be tied.
Week in public services is out! Your favourite definitely-not-weekly blog covering public service policy announcements, papers and publications. Short 🧵 with this week's highlights:
medium.com/@cassia_rowl...
medium.com/@cassia_rowl...
Week in Public Services: 22nd November 2024
This (/last) week: the IfG public services conference; NHS and policing reform; and new evidence on outsourcing social care and closing…
medium.com
November 22, 2024 at 9:43 AM
This is a pretty alarming outlook for prisons. There has been so much to welcome since James Timpson took over as Prisons' Minister but without adequate funding in the medium term his hands will be tied.
Reposted by Andy Keen-Downs CBE
A big welcome to @hmiprisonsnews.bsky.social
An essential follow for anyone interested in the Criminal Justice System.
An essential follow for anyone interested in the Criminal Justice System.
November 19, 2024 at 9:39 AM
A big welcome to @hmiprisonsnews.bsky.social
An essential follow for anyone interested in the Criminal Justice System.
An essential follow for anyone interested in the Criminal Justice System.