Posted on: 19 June 2025
Fathers Together, a pioneering research study led by CNWL, is shedding vital light on the experiences and needs of young fathers in prison—particularly those from Black, Asian, and racially minoritised backgrounds.
The project, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), is co-led by Dr Anita Mehay, Senior Research Fellow and Health Psychologist at City St George’s University, alongside Professor Richard Watt, CNWL Director of Research, Development and Innovation from University College London, in partnership with the Race Equality Foundation.
Fathers Together is the first of its kind to co-produce a culturally sensitive parenting programme tailored to young fathers in custody. The research has involved five prisons across the UK, including three CNWL sites: HMP Woodhill, HMP Bedford, and HMP Aylesbury. These sites provided a critical foundation for the study, enabling staff and researchers to engage directly with participants in a safe, supportive environment.
CNWL’s Research and Development team, Noclor provided crucial support throughout the study, enabling access, coordination, and ethical delivery across its prison health services. The project exemplifies CNWL’s commitment to leading inclusive, high-impact research that supports health equity, social justice, and better outcomes for underserved populations.
A key strength of the project is its ongoing collaboration with a highly engaged Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) group made up of racially minoritised men with lived experience of imprisonment. Their contributions have shaped every stage of the research, from programme development to public engagement and ensured that the voices of those most affected remain at the heart of the work.
In celebration of Father’s Day (16 June), the Fathers Together team launched a powerful new podcast series that gives a platform to the voices of imprisoned fathers. Across six episodes, men reflect on how prison has shaped their relationships with their children and families. A new episode will be released monthly from June to November 2025, helping to open up wider public conversations around fatherhood, incarceration, and identity.
Dr Anita Mehay, Senior Research Fellow and Health Psychologist at City St Georges University said:
“Fathers Together is not just about developing a parenting programme; it’s about making space for marginalised voices and ensuring young fathers in prison are heard, valued, and supported.”
The impact of the study is already being recognised nationally; the PPI group was previously featured on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour, highlighting the importance of inclusive research and the voices of fathers so often overlooked.
This research is another example of how CNWL continues to lead the way in delivering innovative, inclusive, and meaningful healthcare research creating real-world change in the lives of the people and communities it serves.
Lynis Lewis, Service Director at Noclor said:
"The Noclor team are incredibly proud to have supported this ground-breaking study, that gives young fathers in prison, particularly those from racially minoritised backgrounds a real voice. Fathers Together is an important piece of research that not only highlights an often overlooked issue but also helps shape culturally sensitive, meaningful support. It demonstrates the kind of inclusive, impact driven work that leads to real change.”
Dr Simon Edwards, CNWL Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Lead Oversight for Research praised the project:
“Fathers Together is a powerful example of the kind of research we’re proud to lead at CNWL—collaborative, inclusive, and focused on real-world impact. Across our Trust, we are committed to research that amplifies marginalised voices, challenges health inequalities, and informs meaningful change. This study reflects the strength of our partnerships and the dedication of our teams working to build a healthier, more just society through research.”