Voices Unlocked Ep. 10 | Sarah Beresford on Children Impacted by Parental Imprisonment

In this episode of Voices Unlocked Pod, Lorna and Liv welcome Sarah Beresford OBE, reflecting on how their connection began and Sarah’s journey from Scottish secondary school teacher into work supporting children affected by parental imprisonment. Sarah recounts a pivotal case where a pupil’s mother received a life sentence and no services considered the children, prompting Sarah to visit the mother in prison and help maintain parenting through school reports, teacher contact, and supported visits.She explains Families Outside and her Churchill Fellowship research, and describes developing Child Impact Assessment resources. Child-led conversation tools adaptable for different family situations to help adults understand how children are feeling and what support they want, with room to change their minds.We also discuss HMPPS Think Child, practical system changes driven by young people (like the clocks and kindness campaign), and the need for kindness, consistency, and sustainable funding for Time Matters.00:00 Disclaimer and Support00:34 Meet Sarah01:03 How We First Connected02:57 Teacher to Advocate05:56 First Prison Visit10:26 Leaving Teaching for Change10:55 What Families Outside Does12:34 Children Lead the Work14:53 Child Impact Tool Origins17:41 Making the Tool Usable20:09 Opt In Not Statutory25:06 Adapting for Every Family27:23 OBE and Policy Impact28:43 Next Project HMPS Think Child29:12 Think Child Origins30:59 Probation Leaflet Idea32:36 Be Kind Message33:58 Clocks And Kindness35:21 Small Changes Matter35:57 Photos Letters Memories38:00 Why Not Keep Asking39:04 Visit Rules Anxiety40:50 Child Friendly Visit Halls43:31 Time Matters Impact44:31 Funding And Mentoring47:50 Future Plans And Thanks48:43 Gratitude And Wrap Up