Discover how our Behind the Wall, Beyond the Gate programme helps fathers in prison rebuild family relationships, strengthen bonds with their children, and reduce reoffending through meaningful support.
At the heart of Spurgeons’ Behind the Wall, Beyond the Gate programme is a simple but powerful belief: supporting fathers strengthens families, protects children and helps break the cycle of offending. Working intensively with men up to six months before release from HMP Winchester, the programme centres on what matters most - family.
Our ‘Dad, always’ campaign will highlight that through family-led resettlement meetings, parenting and healthy relationship support, home visits, school engagement, family days, and special visits, when fathers are given the tools and space to maintain connection, they can plan for a positive future with their children.
With support from Behind the Walls, Beyond the Gate, dads will continue to be just that – a dad, always.
One father shares heartfelt reflections that beautifully capture the love, pride and determination that remain strong despite separation.
What did becoming a dad mean to you, and how has that meaning evolved over the years?
“My kids mean the world to me, was the best moment ever, like I’d done something right.”
How do you keep a bond with your children when you can’t always be physically present?
“I speak to them every day, send them colouring pictures and cards and get to see them on Family Days. I always tell them how much I love them as it’s important.”
This highlights how vital consistent contact and meaningful moments are. Programmes like Family Days and special visits create opportunities for connection.
What’s a moment with your children that makes you proud?
“I’m proud of how clever my daughter is with school stuff and how good my boy is at football.”
Even from a distance, fathers continue to celebrate their children’s achievements, staying emotionally engaged and present in their lives.
Who or what has helped you stay grounded as a dad during this time?
“My partner, my family and Spurgeons have helped with courses and family days and the homework club to make me feel like I’m still being a dad.”
This speaks directly to the impact of the Behind the Wall, Beyond the Gate programme, ensuring fathers don’t lose their identity or confidence in their parenting role.
What would you say to other fathers who are separated from their children?
“Just do anything you can to stay in contact with them do the family days to spend quality time with them.”
What’s your favourite thing about being a dad?
“When my kids say they love me.”
A lasting impact
This father’s reflections perfectly capture why Behind the Wall, Beyond the Gate matters. By putting children at the forefront and empowering fathers to rebuild and maintain relationships, the programme helps create stronger family foundations and a more hopeful future beyond release.
It is not just about reducing reoffending. It is about maintaining family bonds, to ensure that every child has the opportunity to feel loved, supported, and connected to their dad, always.
