Keeping In Touch: The Hidden Financial Burden Placed on Families Supporting a Loved One in Prison
Embrace, Empower, Elevate, Educate
As public attention turns to high-profile cases like Tommy Robinson’s recent incarceration, we’re reminded of the many families quietly bearing the financial burden of maintaining contact with loved ones behind bars. Yet, while the struggles of prominent cases make headlines, the persistent, costly toll on tens of thousands of UK families largely goes unnoticed.
Emma Wells, founder of Unseen Victims, recently released the Prison Spend Report Part 2, shedding light on the financial strain endured by families trying to maintain relationships through phone calls, emails, and in-person visits. According to the report, the costs can amount to an overwhelming £3,700 to £6,000 per year. These expenditures add up as families strive to bridge the gap imposed by prison walls, often sacrificing their own financial stability.
Report Part 2, Communications – The Hidden Finacial Burden Placed on Loved Ones
Communication Costs in Numbers
The expense of phone calls alone is staggering, with 46% of respondents reporting monthly costs over £50 and 21% exceeding £200. For families relying on consistent communication, the annual price can exceed £2,500. This doesn’t include other methods like emails or Moonpig cards, which, though cheaper individually, accumulate over time, further burdening families.
Despite recent advancements, including the installation of in-cell phones in UK prisons, the cost of calls remains high, particularly for those with limited financial resources. Prisons still face a persistent issue with contraband mobile phones, highlighting the inadequate and costly official communication channels.
The Additional Costs of Physical Visits
Beyond communication, families incur significant costs related to travel, accommodation, and other expenses when visiting. These additional costs average around £3,000 per year, a sum that many families—already stretched by lost income and other financial pressures—struggle to afford. The report emphasizes that these sacrifices impact the family members’ well-being, as they choose between covering daily expenses and staying connected with their incarcerated loved ones.
Report Part 2, Communications – The Hidden Finacial Burden Placed on Loved Ones
A Call for Affordable Solutions
The UK government and prison service providers must acknowledge and address these financial challenges. Lowering the cost of phone calls, improving mail and email services, and standardising communication access across prisons could ease the strain. Unseen Victims proposes policies that could make maintaining family bonds more affordable, from introducing unlimited calling plans to offering financial assistance for frequent visits.
In a prison system where strong family connections are proven to reduce reoffending rates, it’s time for a compassionate approach that supports not only the incarcerated but also their families. Until meaningful changes are made, tens of thousands of UK families will continue to pay the high price of connection, bearing a hidden burden that affects their lives every day…
Created by: Emma Wells
Edited By: Olivia Bilgin
Consultion and Credit: Unilink/Email a Prisoner
**Unseen Victims, in collaboration with EMAP, will be offering “care bundles” containing free emails with replies for individuals who are just beginning the journey of supporting a loved one recently remanded to prison. This initiative aims to alleviate some of the financial burden families face during these early stages. By providing these complimentary emails, we hope to support families in maintaining essential communication, which reduces stress and plays a critical role in lowering reoffending rates. For more information, please visit www.emailaprisoner.com or contact us directly at admin@unseenvictims.org.uk. More details about this initiative can be found towards the end of our latest report.
Funded by: Cumbria Community Foundation, https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/
