Idrisse who has been the coordinator for Storybook Dads in her role at HMP Thameside since May 2024, and to date has recorded over 70 stories. 

We asked Idrisse what she finds most rewarding about recording stories?

Seeing the positive impact this has on the dads and their families; Storybook dads gives dads a chance to bond with their children and be present in their lives despite the unfortunate circumstances. Some dads get emotional after reading to their children, I give them time to process their emotions and talk about how they are feeling, this session is more than just reading to their children and prisoners are very grateful or attending. The most rewarding thing about coordinating the recordings is receiving the amazing feedback from the dads and their families, seeing the happiness in their faces is what makes the job worthwhile.

What different ways do you encourage or promote Storybook Dads within your role at HMP Thameside? 

I tell them all about it, how its edited, how sounds and pictures of the books are added to the video, how much other children love it and how this helps to create a bond between dad and child.

We know reading a story can be daunting for some people so how do you put someone at ease who is nervous about doing a story?

I explain to them that it's okay to feel anxious as I understand how important this is to them, I am here to support them, videos are edited so if they make a mistake or need to take a minute it's fine, if English is not their first language it's fine, they can take a look at the book and briefly read it before we start recording, highlight the fact that this reading is for their children, that they love them and most time they don't notice little things, they are just happy to watch dad reading them a book. 

What is your favourite story?

They are all my favourite, its lovely to watch dads reading to their children, they show their vulnerable and caring side.