How does my partner/loved one apply to record a story? Expand If your partner wants to take part, they will have to apply themselves; the process can’t be started by you or by us. In most prisons, Storybook Dads/Mums runs from the Library. Your partner can ask at the Library about taking part or submit a General Application to the Library requesting to record a story. Storybook Dads runs in over 100 prisons - to see if it operates in the prison your loved one is in click here. If your prison is not on the list then your loved one won’t be able to access the scheme, unfortunately, although the prison may have other opportunities for strengthening family ties.
Which prisons offer Storybook Dads/Mums? Expand The scheme runs in approximately 100 prisons including women’s prisons and young offender institutes. To see which prisons we currently operate in, click the button below: Where we work
How does it work? Expand The imprisoned parent/loved one applies to record a story. Once they've received an appointment they will choose a book and will be recorded reading the story. The recording is downloaded onto a computer and sent to the main Editing Suite in HMP Channings Wood, where any mistakes are taken out and music and sound effects are added. The finished story is put onto a CD and then posted to the child. What we do Why we do it The difference we make
Why don't all prisons offer DVDs? Expand Approximately fifteen prisons currently offer stories on DVD, this is due to security guidelines at prison level. Below are a list of the prisons that offer DVDs: HMP Brinsford HMP Channings Wood HMP Coldingley HMP Dartmoor HMP Erlestoke HMP Featherstone HMP Kirkham HMP Leeds HMP Lincoln (coming soon) HMP Manchester HMP Northumberland HMP Oakwood HMP Ranby (coming soon) HMP Rochester HMP Stocken (coming soon) HMP Stoke Heath HMP Sudbury HMP Thameside HMP Warren Hill (coming soon) HMP Winchester (coming soon) HMP Wymott
Who can take part? Expand As long as the imprisoned parent/loved one is allowed access to the child they want to do it for, then they can apply. Although the scheme is primarily for parents, most prisons allow other family members to participate including grandparents, siblings, aunts and uncles.
How much does it cost? Expand In most prisons it is completely free. However, a small number of prisons may charge a small fee towards the cost of posting the disc. Participants can also choose to make a donation to Storybook Dads from their prison spends.
Can poor or non-readers take part? Expand There’s no need for poor, non-readers or nervous readers to worry. The coordinators of the scheme are very sympathetic and will give any help that is required; from choosing the book to assisting with the reading. Our software enables us to edit the story so it sounds smooth and fluent. The audio clip below demonstrates how non-readers can take part:
Can stories be read in another language? Expand Due to prison security restrictions it’s not always possible to accept stories in any language other than English or Welsh. However, if there is a staff member at the prison who can speak the language and check the recording for content, then it should be fine.