Christmas Card Packs
The idea for the packs was planted during lockdown when contact was extremely restricted for everyone, but especially those in prison. 2022 is the third year we have made them, and my daughter Aaria has been involved in the assembly.
It is a good opportunity to be able to talk with her about where the cards are being sent and why. As Aaria has grown, her understanding and empathy towards the clients we are making cards for has matured. She enjoys the thought of parents in prison being able to create something for their children. She acknowledges that this is often something that the kids do – and not parents! For her, the gesture is both kind and different. Aaria’s consideration is also towards the children and young people who are separated from their parents. We often talk about the joy that they might gain from receiving something handmade.
Being able to do this little act of community service together is incredibly good for us as a family. It creates a platform to explore gratefulness and be considerate of others who may be experiencing challenging times. This feels particularly poignant when many of us think more about the bonds and connections we have with those close to us. As a parent, it is important I think for my kids to remember how fortunate they are, and how they can be of service to others.
Aaria has a mature head on her shoulders and is a kind, caring girl. We talk about prison and those affected by it a lot in our house. I am proud that she is quick to consider that people who are spending time in custody have often ended up there because they have faced many challenges, and not that they are ‘bad’ people.
The Family Work Practitioners who receive the packs of cards on behalf of their clients are always excited to distribute them and the clients are happy to receive them! It is a small gesture from the Families and Young Peoples department which we hope to continue each year. These packs of cards are our way of spreading a little cheer. It is an added bonus that they promote connection and communication, which is the foundation of healing, hope and, most of all, recovery.