THE founder of charity supporting the children of prisoners has been honoured by the Prime Minister for her efforts to break the cycle this week.

Sarah Burrows established Children Heard and Seen after learning 65 per cent of boys who have a parent with a conviction go on to offend themselves.

In her efforts to change hundreds of lives across Berkshire, Sarah has been providing peer support to vulnerable young people and direct support to the children of convicts.

Theresa May recognised Sarah's efforts with the prestigious Point of Light award and thanked her for 'giving a voice' to the children she has helped.

After receiving the honour from the Prime Minister, Sarah said: “I am very appreciative to have won this award and for the recognition this brings to everyone who has supported the setting up of Children Heard and Seen.

“Children of prisoners are an invisible group and I feel passionately that they should be supported to fulfil their potential.

“Breaking the cycle of generational offending is not only a positive outcome for the child but for the community as a whole by reducing the anti social behaviour and crime in their area.

“My wish for the future is that all the children in England and Wales will be supported by Children Heard and Seen, not only the children of prisoners within Thames Valley.”

Sarah is the 707th winner of the Points of Light award, which was adopted in the U.K after being introduced by former President George Bush in 1990.

It aims to recognise outstanding contributions from volunteers, with Sarah receiving her award after mentoring and steering young people away from a life of crime.

In a personal letter sent to Sarah, Theresa May, added: “Through Children Heard and Seen you have created an important support network for children facing challenging circumstances.

“Your programmes are giving a voice to children of prisoners and helping families to break the cycle of offending that can develop.”