Prisons Work
Mothers' Union has a presence in prisons across Britain & Ireland bringing hope to the people who most need it
Statistics tell us that 45% of people lose contact with their families when they go to prison
Research also shows that maintaining contact between people in prison and their families and friends is essential not just for the well-being of prisoners, their resettlement and reduced rates of reoffending following the sentence, but also for the development, wellbeing and social inclusion of children. So much of our work centres on supporting the continued connection between people in prison and their families.
Our volunteers assist in prison visitors’ centres, run support groups, family days and prison creches to help families with a loved one in prison in supporting and communicating with children and preparing for prison visits. In some prisons, courses and parenting groups are also available, with members supporting the prison chaplaincy and upholding all the prisons in prayer. HM Prison Low Newton is proud to have its own MU branch.
Members also create ‘release bags’ filled with useful items like underwear, clothes, shopping vouchers and toiletries for when people leave prison, gift thousands of cards for Christmas and Easter every year, and provide Christmas tree decorations, bringing much-needed cheer for inmates and staff alike.
If you are interested in getting involved in prisons work, there will be a role that suits your interest and skills. Get in touch with your local MU diocese for more information about how you can be involved locally. You can also join the movement of prayer during Prisons Week.
Prisons Week
Mothers’ Union is one of the sponsors of Prisons Week, an annual event that has been running for over 40 years.
Prisons Week raises awareness and generates prayer for everyone affected by prisons – prisoners and their families, victims of crime and their communities, people working in the criminal justice system and the many people who are involved in caring for those affected by crime on the inside and outside of our prisons.
‘Prisons Week reminds me of God’s heart to bring healing, peace and freedom to people caught up in the criminal justice system, who are out of sight and out of mind. Having worked as a police officer in the Met Police for 27 years, and then as a chaplain at Wandsworth Prison for 12 years, I have seen something of the worst and the best aspects of human behaviour. It was in prison that I witnessed the power of prayer, of fellowship in adversity and the new life that Jesus offers.’ – Canon Tim Bryan, chair of the Prisons Week Working Groups.
Find out more about Prisons Week here.
Other programmes
