Our Impact

Family Stories, Testimonials and Case Studies

DONATE

Testimonials

The invaluable support AFFECT has provided me during an incredibly challenging period in my life. When my wife was imprisoned, I felt utterly lost and isolated. Many friends seemed to distance themselves, and a sense of shame weighed heavily upon me.

In the midst of this darkness, AFFECT emerged as a beacon of hope and a crucial source of strength. The support I received from your organisation was truly instrumental in helping me cope with the emotional turmoil and navigate the difficult circumstances. It was a lifeline that helped me move forward when I felt like I couldn’t.

Knowing that there was an organisation dedicated to supporting families like mine, and experiencing that support firsthand, made a profound difference. Your work is truly essential, and I sincerely hope that AFFECT continues providing this vital service to others who are facing similar hardships. Thank you once again for your unwavering dedication and the positive impact you have had on my life.

‘I cannot think where I would be if I hadn’t been told about AFFECT a couple of years ago. With your support, knowing there was someone I could talk to at the end of a phone, has been invaluable. At a time when some friends and family withdrew their love and support AFFECT stepped in to prop me up and help me see there are other ways forward, as I work my way through this unexpected, and uninvited life changing, catastrophe.

I can never thank you enough.’

Affect has offered me support in a way nowhere else can even come close. Their lived experience is unrivalled by any amount of empathy from any other source. Until you have lived it you cannot begin to understand the complexities, and once you have lived it, hope is a very scarce feeling to come by. Affect has helped me to see a light in the darkness, without which, each day would be impossible to get through.

Family Stories

Mary’s Story

Jun 17, 2025

When my daughter was imprisoned, it came as a shock to all of us. My family didn’t understand what was going on and hounded me with questions that I couldn’t answer. My daughter was in prison over 200 miles away from home and I wasn’t given any information; I had so...

Lauren’s Story

Jun 17, 2025

Thirty-six years ago, my son was convicted of the murder of his wife. They had a son of five months. My son was eventually released by the Appeal Court, innocent, as the Jury ’Simply Got it Wrong.” Overturning a Jury verdict was unheard of, however, another was then...

Claire’s Story

Jun 16, 2025

I came across Affect when my partner of over 20 plus happy years had a mental breakdown and committed a violent crime. My life was ripped from under me, my friend, my soul partner, my confidant, my support was no longer with me. I was beside myself inconsolable...

Maria’s Story

Jun 16, 2025

A change is as good as a rest- so they say. February 14th, 2025, will live in my memory for a while. Like many events since my partners incarceration big events continually punctuate our life like rocks in a desert of eternity. I had not seen him since before...

Sarah’s Story

Jun 16, 2025

I answered the phone to my dad around 8 one Friday morning. It was the end of my son’s first full week at school, and I was in the middle of getting him, and his 18-month-old brother, ready for the short walk to the local village school. I was not, in any way,...

Simon’s Story

Jun 12, 2025

My AFFECT Telephone Support Worker was a huge source of help and understanding when I was struggling to deal with my sister’s imprisonment. I constantly felt guilty for enjoying doing normal things while she was in prison. Although rationally I knew that she had made...