Sharon Berry OBE – Founder and CEO of Storybook Dads

Sharon Berry OBE is the visionary founder and Chief Executive Officer of Storybook Dads, a UK-based charity dedicated to helping incarcerated parents maintain bonds with their children through storytelling. In 2002, while working as a prison tutor at HMP Dartmoor, Sharon recognized the profound impact of parental absence on children and sought to bridge this gap by enabling prisoners to record bedtime stories for their kids. Her innovative approach has gained widespread recognition, including an OBE for services to children and families.

Under Sharon's leadership, Storybook Dads has expanded to operate in approximately 100 UK prisons, including women's institutions under the name Storybook Mums. The charity facilitates the recording of bedtime stories and personal messages by incarcerated parents, which are then sent to their children as audio or video files. This initiative not only helps maintain the parent-child bond but also fosters a love for reading and improves literacy skills among both parents and children.

Since its inception, Storybook Dads has produced over 80,000 stories, reaching approximately 250,000 beneficiaries. The program has been instrumental in enhancing self-esteem among prisoners, enriching parent-child relationships, and encouraging children's interest in reading. Sharon's dedication to preserving family bonds has not only transformed countless lives but also inspired similar programs worldwide. 

Storybook Dads and Storybook Mums go beyond just storytelling; they provide a vital emotional connection between incarcerated parents and their children. By allowing parents to record personalized stories, poems, and messages, this initiative helps maintain family bonds, reduces feelings of abandonment, and gives children a sense of stability. Many families have credited Storybook Dads with making reintegration after release smoother, strengthening relationships that may have otherwise been lost. The program is also a powerful tool for rehabilitation, helping parents reflect on their roles and responsibilities while learning valuable skills in literacy, creativity, and communication.

Sharon Berry’s initiative is not just about maintaining family ties—it’s also a crucial step in rehabilitation. Prisoners who participate in the program gain confidence, improve their literacy skills, and develop a renewed sense of purpose. Many inmates who struggle with reading and writing are given the opportunity to engage in storytelling, boosting their self-esteem and giving them a sense of contribution to their children’s lives. Storybook Dads and Mums also offer valuable training in audio and video editing, equipping prisoners with employable skills they can use after release. By focusing on personal growth, education, and positive change, this program helps break the cycle of reoffending and encourages a brighter future for both parents and their children.

Storybook Dads and Mums rely on public support to continue transforming lives. Donations help fund recording equipment, training programs, and the distribution of stories to children across the UK. Volunteers play a crucial role in helping edit and produce these stories, ensuring that every child receives a high-quality and meaningful gift from their parent. Businesses and organizations can also support Storybook Dads through sponsorships, fundraising initiatives, and partnerships. Whether through financial support, volunteering, or spreading awareness, every contribution helps keep families connected and gives children the chance to hear their parents' voices when they need them most.