Uncovering the stories of young fathers in prison

A researcher from City St George’s, University of London is releasing a new podcast that sheds light on the stories of young fathers in prison.

Launching on Fathers’ Day on Sunday 15 June, the Fathers Together podcast series focuses on those from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds who are significantly over-represented in the prison system.

Hosted by Roifield Brown – and involving Dr Anita Mehay, Senior Research Fellow and Health Psychologist at City St George’s – this deeply human series shares the real stories of five fathers from racially minoritised communities who became dads young and served time behind bars. Through interviews, reflection, and expert insights, the podcast explores how they stayed connected to their children, what they lost, and what they’re fighting to rebuild.

From bedtime stories told over the phone to the emotional cost of silence and stigma, Fathers Together shines a light on voices too often left out of the conversation on prisons, parenting, and masculinity.

Developed in collaboration with the Race Equality Foundation and based on research led by Dr Mehay and Professor Richard Watt at UCL as part of a research project of the same name – Fathers Together – the podcast is part of a wider NIHR-funded study working to co-design parenting support with fathers inside five English prisons. The series will run for six episodes, released every Sunday closest to the 15^th of the month.

There are around 88,000 prisoners in England and Wales: most are men, and many are fathers. There are also an estimated 300,000 children and young people who have been affected by imprisonment. Previous work has also revealed that having a parent in prison is traumatic for children and linked to poorer health, increased antisocial behaviours and the likelihood of being involved in the criminal justice system.

Dr Mehay said:

“Fathers Together is a podcast about young dads, imprisonment, and what it means to hold onto love, identity, and hope in the toughest of places. Following our research as part of the Fathers Together study, we’ve launched this series to bring the stories of young fathers in prison to light, focusing on those from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds, who are significantly over-represented in the prison system. These are stories we rarely hear — not just prisoners, but as fathers, carrying hope, regret, love, and strength. Over the course of six episodes, listeners will meet a father and explore how his imprisonment has shaped his relationship with his children and family. Episode 01 drops this Sunday, which is Fathers’ Day.”

Listen to the podcast