HMP Norwich uses Dylan's Story to help children feel welcome

But for those who have no choice but to make the intimidating journey, an organisation is hoping to help relieve the anxiety kids experience.

HMP Norwich's visitor centre is run by the charity Ormiston Families, which is attempting to break down the stigma that children feel when visiting a family member in prison - by creating an animated companion.

The front gate to HMP Norwich, in Knox Road - Picture: Newsquest (Image: Denise Bradley)

The Dylan's Story project follows the day-to-day life of fictional character Dylan he visits his dad in prison.

Children can read Dylan’s story online to prepare and, when they reach the prison, they're greeted by a colourful vinyl display of Dylan welcoming them.

The revamped centre is a part of the prison's attempts to improve family ties, with close familial relationships seen as a key factor in reducing reoffending rates.

Left to Right: Tim Lloyd, head of family services at HMP Norwich, John Merralls, operations manager for Ormiston Families Prisoners’ Family Services and Naomi Webb, HMP Norwich Visitor Centre manager - Picture: Ormiston Families (Image: Ormiston Families)

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John Merralls, operations manager of Ormiston Families' Prisoners' Family Services, said: "We developed Dylan to provide a child-focused character who aims to help reduce the levels of anxiety often felt by younger children visiting a parent or loved one in prison.

"There's a great deal of stigma having a parent in prison so it's vitally important that society has a greater understanding of the trauma children go through, because they're the innocent victims in all of this.

Dylan’s story is an animated character who describes visiting his dad in prison for the first time - Picture: Ormiston Families (Image: Ormiston Families)

"We're delighted to see the project come to fruition and hope that it will help children navigate what can be a tough time."

Naomi Webb, manager of the visitor centre at HMP Norwich, added: "As a local remand centre, HMP Norwich is a busy prison.

"Many people visiting for the first time find it a daunting experience and the Dylan project is going to give us an extra resource to help children and young people cope with what can be a traumatic experience."