Scottish penal institutions pioneer in father-focused initiative

Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids Programme Makes a Positive Impact in Scottish Prisons

In a groundbreaking move, the Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids (HDHK) programme has been successfully implemented in Scottish prisons, bringing families closer together and promoting a healthier lifestyle for both children and their incarcerated fathers.

Developed by a research team from the Universities of Glasgow, Stirling, and the University of Newcastle in New South Wales, the HDHK programme has been making waves in the Scottish Prison Service. The programme's head in Scotland is based at the University of Glasgow.

The HDHK programme encourages children and their fathers to engage in activities such as rough and tumble play, fitness, and fundamental movements like throwing, catching, and bouncing. These activities are designed to foster a strong bond between the father and child, while also promoting physical health and well-being.

The programme has been delivered at HMP Barlinnie and HMP Perth, and has involved 14 families with children aged 5 to 12. The initiative has proven to be successful, with HMP Barlinnie staff training 23 colleagues from prisons across the country to run the programme in their locations.

Studies have shown that people in prison are at a higher risk of poor health, and similarly, that children of imprisoned parents have poorer health, education, and offending outcomes compared to other children. The HDHK programme aims to address these issues head-on, providing a supportive environment for fathers to learn positive parenting skills and to spend quality time with their children.

One participant shared, "It's been great to reconnect with my son in a way you probably cannot even put into words...". At the end of each session, the children and their fathers are able to sit and enjoy a meal as a family, further strengthening their bond.

In addition to the physical activities, weekly sessions for fathers cover topics like positive parenting and raising healthy kids. The goal is to equip fathers with the tools they need to provide a nurturing and supportive environment for their children, even while they are in prison.

The HDHK programme being run in a prison environment for the first time is a significant step forward in promoting family health and well-being. With its success in Scottish prisons, it is hoped that the programme will be rolled out across the country and beyond, making a positive impact on the lives of countless families.