Helping prisoners become better parents episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 13, 2026 · 23 MIN

Helping prisoners become better parents

from The Documentary Podcast · host BBC World Service

An innovative scheme in Scotland is helping dads in prison become better parents. Myra Anubi visits Barlinnie jail in Glasgow to meet the prisoners taking part. First they are taught parenting skills and then their children are brought into the jail for sessions of active physical play. Supporters of the programme say it is not just about benefits for prisoners - it is helping to create strong family bonds which might then reduce rates of reoffending. It is based on a successful scheme in Australia called Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids. This was set up to get people fit and tackle high levels of obesity in the wider population. We talk to the founder who explains how it has improved the lives of hundreds of fathers and their families. This episode of the documentary comes from People Fixing The World, looking at brilliant solutions to the world's problems.

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Helping prisoners become better parents

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This episode was published on April 13, 2026.

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An innovative scheme in Scotland is helping dads in prison become better parents. Myra Anubi visits Barlinnie jail in Glasgow to meet the prisoners taking part. First they are taught parenting skills and then their children are brought into the jail...

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