It started with letters to people on death row in America.
Through Human Rights Pen Pals, we were writing to those facing execution, acutely aware of the crisis in US prisons. But closer to home, we realised something was missing – where were the stories about the crisis in UK prisons?

That search led us to HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes, which had particularly concerning statistics around deaths in custody.

Through solicitor Jo Eggleton, we met families who had lost loved ones at Woodhill. What started as interviews for our verbatim production Woodhill became a deep collaboration. The families were involved throughout the creative process, with authority to shape the script and guide the production. After Woodhill toured and reached over 3,500 people, winning awards including the Amnesty International Freedom of Expression Award, the families wanted to continue working together, and monthly meetings began. 

The Woodhill Families Group now meets regularly, combining advocacy training with creative work. They've spoken at Parliament, contributed to professional training for social workers and criminal justice staff, and continue to share their stories through various platforms. The group also includes families affected by IPP (Imprisonment for Public Protection) sentences – those still detained under the abolished sentencing system.

Their current projects include an IPP awareness campaign featuring painted pebbles representing each of the 2,544 people still affected, podcast recordings about custody deaths, and wider engagement planning for schools, professionals, and the general public. Anyone who's spent time with this group knows there's something special here. Despite everything they've been through, there's never a meeting that doesn't include proper laughter!

To see what the Woodhill Families are up to, follow our Instagram hashtag #woodhillfamilies and join our mailing list.