Littleport boy is among guests invited to the House of Lords after he helps break barriers about the stigma of prison
Harvey at the House of Lords - Credit: Archant
An 11 year old boy was invited to the House of Lords after he was involved in making a film to help children come to terms having a parent in prison.
Harvey and his mum - Credit: Archant
Harvey Caley got involved in the film project after he was supported by Breaking Barriers at his primary school in Littleport.
Joanne Edwards, Senior Practitioner with Breaking Barriers, which is part of leading East of England family charity, Ormiston Families, Unite Programme, said: “Harvey is such a star.
“He is very confident and a real character, so I knew he would be perfect to get involved in this project.”
“Harvey struggled to come to terms with his Father’s sentence, with prison visits, the affect it had on his family and the stigma that surrounds having a parent in prison.”
Harvey with his mum outside the House of Lords. - Credit: Archant
However, over a period of time the pair talked in weekly one to one sessions allowing him the time and space to explore his feelings.
During those sessions, the idea of the film came to fruition and, with the blessing of his mum, Hannah Pain, they set to work filming using actors alongside him.
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Harvey, one of six siblings, even wrote a rap for the project.
Joanne continued: “The film will really help other children and families in the future, I don’t think Harvey realises just how big a positive impact this film will have for others in his situation.
“What I love most is that out of something so bad something so good has come from it. His mum and all of us here are extremely proud of him.”
It is the 35th anniversary of Ormiston Families this year and as part of the celebration Harvey was invited to the House of Lords as one of the guests of honour with his mum and Joanne.
• Ormiston Families’ Breaking Barriers service supports children and young people affected by imprisonment. The team works in schools and communities across the East of England, providing one to one support for children and young people who have a parent or carer in prison, or have been affected by imprisonment in another way.
•Ormiston Families identifies and responds to the needs of children, young people and families, with whatever challenges they face. If you would like to find out more about the Breaking Barriers project or the charity’s other services please visit www.ormiston.org
