We are a group of young adults with lived experience of parental imprisonment during childhood, standing united against the dehumanisation of children who have experienced or continue to experience a parent in prison. We affirm the equal value of our dual identities, both professional and lived to create change.
With deep care and kindness, we aim to tackle some of the complex issues and barriers these young people face. By gifting society a better understanding of what it is to be a child of an imprisoned parent, we hope to energise the change around stigma towards these children and young people, providing the support they deserve.
Read our Policy Briefing Paper, May 2025
Championing lived experience
Changing narratives
Challenging stigma and discrimination
Collectively influencing policy and practice
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The Parental Imprisonment Collective (PIC) is a national group of young adults from across the UK with lived experience of having a parent(s) in prison. The group, with the support of The Firebird Foundation, aims to challenge stigma and discrimination faced by children and young adults due to parental imprisonment and to influence policy, practice and public discourse on the issue.
PIC’s mission:
Challenging negative media and government narratives that focus on inter-generational offending.
Inspire young people with lived experience of parental imprisonment through positive role models and success stories.
Act as a resource and steering group that supports local and international initiatives, led by lived experience.
Add value to the work of existing organisations without duplication.
Engage the next generation of changemakers and inspire them with positive messaging.
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Tasha Cowperthwaite
Parental Imprisonment Programme Lead, Firebird Foundation
tasha@firebirdcollective.co.ukTEAM BIOS COMING SOON!
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PIC is powered by Firebird Foundation to achieve its mission.
firebirdcollective.co.uk