Welcome to HALOW (Birmingham)’s website.  The charity has a long history of supporting the needs or prisoners, their children, families and significant others in the Midlands.

Following the policy decision of G4S UK to take Visitors’ Centres and Family Services in-house, HALOW (Birmingham) transferred all staff and operations to G4S UK at HMP Five Wells in July 2023 and HMP Oakwood Family Pathway Centre in October 2023.  Services continue seamlessly at both prisons and we know our former staff continue to provide all services to the highest quality under these new arrangements.

Our website will continue to provide some information about services previously operated by HALOW (Birmingham) at HMP Birmingham VisitorHMP Five Wells and HMP Oakwood Family Pathway Centre, with essential contact details for visitors.

National Prisoner’s Families Helpline

The National Prisoner’s Families Helpline –  https://www.prisonsersfamilies.org  – offers up to date information through their website and Freephone 0808 808 2003.

Opening Hour: Monday to Friday 9am-8pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am-3pm.

 

Our Services 2024

Going forward, HALOW (Birmingham) will be developing new, partnership based projects to invest in young people at risk of becoming engaged with the criminal justice system, or at a point in their lives where additional resources if available, could impact critical life choices positively.

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The whole day was fantastic and the best part was that my husband could play and walk around with his daughter.

(HALOW (Birmingham))

I think the staff are the best ever. Helpful and so polite. They are the best we have been to

(HMP Oakwood Visitor 2018)

Keep up the good work ladies!

(HMP Birmingham Visitor 2018)

"Another brilliant day - very useful to learn first aid and good to know what to do if baby or anyone was choking. So grateful to be part of such a rewarding course. Great bonding time, thank you" (Jolly Tots Programme for prisoner, partner and children 0-2 years)

(Family Days at Oakwood)

Staff are brill; go above and beyond

(HMP Birmingham Visitor 2018)

Amazing friendly staff, very helpful. Keep doing what you’re doing

(HMP Oakwood Visitor 2018)

The 'Family Pathway Centre' (visitors centre) was an exellent facility, run by the Help and Advice Line for Offenders' Wives (HALOW), who were available before and after visits to offer information, advice, and guidance and a signposting service to support agencies. There was a multi-faith room and children's play area, and refreshments were available. Access for visitors with disabilities was good.

(HMIP report on HMP Oakwood 2013)

HALOW Case Studies & News

Families & friends of HMP Birmingham survey

Please can domestic visitors of HMP Birmingham follow the link below and complete this survey. The survey is only short, consisting of 7 questions. Thanking you in advance. https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/52TNQXK  

A family from the travelling community has been attending Homework Club at HMP Oakwood FPC each Tuesday evening for 12 months; within the family are two boys aged 5 and 3. The elder boy would enter the centre initially quite boisterous, running in and out of the play area, around the tables where people eat, pushing his little brother around on a

A young mother was observed with two small children. The eldest (2 years old) was seen to be running around, letting himself out of the doors, taking toys from other children and not responding to his mothers requests. The Children’s Worker (CW) talked with the mother and found out the child had autism – she explained he struggled wit

Macmillian Cake and Coffee afternoons

The Staff and visitors at HMP Oakwood Family Pathway Centre rasied a total of £253 during our Macmillan cake and coffee afternoons, “thank you for your support to a good cause”. for more information visit Macmillan’s website: www.macmillan.org.uk

HMP Oakwood's Community Engagement

Over the last few weeks, the children have been creating their own tree decorations for the HMP Oakwood Family Pathway Christmas Tree. Once dressed, the FPC tree took part in a Christmas Tree Festival at a local church near to Stafford. Over 40 trees were exhibited in the church over the weekend of the 2nd to the 4th December 2016. The FPC tree was

Xmas Arts and Crafts

Over the past few weeks the children have been making and personalising their own stockings to display next to the Oakwood fire place in the Family Pathway Centre, create a warm relaxing display.

HALOW BIRMINGHAM is grateful for support from

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