Restoring Family Ties

Unlock Drama’s Restoring Family Ties project harnesses the transformative power of theatre to support incarcerated parents and grandparents in rebuilding and strengthening their family relationships. Through creative expression, emotional reflection, and shared achievement, participants develop positive connections that foster emotional healing, wellbeing, and rehabilitation.

The project is delivered through an intensive four-and-a-half day model, engaging up to 10 participants in collaboratively writing, rehearsing, and performing a child-centred play designed for their children and family members. Workshops focus on teamwork, emotional expression, creativity, and confidence building — culminating in a piece of children’s theatre performed by participants, followed by an extended prison family visit. This creates a powerful shared experience, reinforcing bonds and promoting positive rehabilitation outcomes.

Strengthening family ties is a key factor in reducing reoffending.
Research by HMPPS and national justice bodies shows that individuals who maintain strong family connections during custody are up to 39% less likely to reoffend. Supporting meaningful family contact is now recognised as a critical part of effective rehabilitation strategies, aligned with the Family and Significant Others pathways within Reducing Reoffending frameworks.

Unlock Drama’s Restoring Family Ties project enables participants to:

• Reconnect with their families in a creative, child-centred way
• Demonstrate positive change and personal growth
• Improve self-esteem, emotional wellbeing, and sense of purpose
• Contribute to rehabilitation culture and support successful reintegration

Participant feedback highlights the profound emotional impact of the project:

• “This project has built my family. Giving my daughter a lasting memory is priceless.”
• “It has helped me out of a low point with my depression.”
• “It has meant the world for me to give something positive to my kids.”
• “I honestly believe these projects can restore families. It shows an important message to our children.”

Unlock Drama’s Restoring Family Ties project offers a powerful opportunity for prisons to enhance family engagement, support participants’ mental health and wellbeing, and contribute meaningfully to reducing reoffending through stronger familial connections.

Helpful links:

Strengthening Prisoners Family Ties Policy Framework – GOV.UK