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Prisoners Week 2024 Schedule

Thursday 14th

WORKSHOP FOR CHARTER SIGNATORIES and others looking at how to get more involved throughout the year. 3 PM, Greenbank Parish Church,  Edinburgh

Register here.

Sunday 17th

PRISONERS WEEK NATIONAL LAUNCH SERVICE with a live stream link on the day at 3 PM at Letham St Mark’s Church, Perth

Marketplace for half an hour before and after the service. Download the Order of Service and Marketplace participants.                   

AMAZING GRACE (My Chains are Gone) audio being premiered at the Launch Service – the song was recorded of prisoners singing at HMP Barlinnie, Glenochil, Shotts, Low Moss, Greenock, Edinburgh, Perth.       

BARRY WOODWARD at HMP Barlinnie.                          

GRAHAM BELL leading a Prisoners Week themed service at St Ninians Community church.

Monday 18th

At HMP Low Moss in the two Reformed services, they will have a guest speaker, Frankie Ryan, who has lived experience of time inside and being trapped in cycles of addiction – Frankie will be sharing his story of how he found hope and transformation and is able to now say that Fear is a Liar and Jesus is King!

Tuesday 19th

SCHOOL TALK Sheena Orr is talking to a Modern Studies class linking in with the module on criminology and justice at St Augustine’s RC School, Edinburgh.

GUILD TALK Sheena Orr is talking to the Guild at St Annes Church Corstorphine about Prisoners Week

BARRY WOODWARD at HMP Glenochil.  

Wednesday 20th

LIVE WEBINAR for senior phase school pupils, mainly studying Advanced Higher Modern Studies to discuss issues of criminal justice and imprisonment from our own perspectives, and the schools are submitting questions.  The panel includes Graham Bell, Chaplain at HMP Glenochil, Natalie Beal, prison Governor, and an ex-offender.  This is a registration-only event, and will not be available to the wider public.  

CHURCH VISIT Rev Hillary Nyika of HMP Polmont will be speaking to a group at Riverside Church in Ayr.

Thursday 21st

FISCHY MUSIC CONCERT at HMP Barlinnie 

‘JACK & STACEY’ drama production in HMP Glenochil.

PW SERVICE  IN THE COMMUNITY Gary Caldwell, Chaplain at HMP Greenock will be involved in leading a Service at Mount Kirk Parish Church, Greenock.

Friday 22nd

At the two Roman Catholic services in HMP Low Moss, Bishop John Keenan will be the guest speaker and will be leading worship on the theme of Hear My Voice.

iFit PRISONERS WEEK EVENT. A full day of events at the Beacon Arts Centre, Greenock from 10 AM:

  • Storytelling & Testimonies: Powerful, personal stories shared by those who have lived through the system.

  • Prisoner art gallery: View prisoners art artwork, expressing their creativity within the care of the prison

  • Entertainment: Come along and enjoy music and performances from past prisoners and the recovery community

  • Panel Discussions: Hear from former prisoners, families, counsellors, and advocates about the journey of reintegration.

  • Buffet: Free lunch provided

  • Free entry: Come along free of charge

For more info contact Robbie at robbie@ifit.scot

SPECIAL EVENT

LISTENING TO DISTANT VOICES a thought-provoking event. Join us for an engaging evening of live music, spoken word, and discussion hosted by leading Scottish criminologist Professor Fergus McNeill, joined by award-winning journalist Dani Garavelli and renowned musicians Jo Mango and Louis Abbott, who will perform songs and stories from ‘A Giant on the Bridge.’ This event promises a mix of entertainment and thought-provoking conversation, exploring themes related to justice and society through music and words. Whether you’re interested in criminology, journalism, or simply great performances, this evening will offer something for everyone.

St George's Tron Church of Scotland at 7PM. Find out more and Find out more and SIGN UP HERE!

Sunday 24th

PREACHING in LOCAL CONGREGATIONS Rev Dr Sheena Orr, SPS Chaplaincy Advisor, will be leading a Prisoners Week Service at West Calder Parish Church while Rev Dr Hillary Nyika, Chaplain at HMP Polmont will lead the service at and Brighton’s Parish Church, Polmont.

GRAHAM BELL leading a Prisoners Week themed service at St Serf’s Tullibody chuch.

 
 
Featured
Hear My Voice - How are we doing with our children? 
Hear My Voice - How are we doing with our children? 

In this blog, Sheriff David Mackie, a leading voice in Scotland's youth justice reform, explores how the country is transforming its approach to young offenders. Sheriff Mackie reflects on recent changes, including raising the age of criminal responsibility and embedding the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into Scottish law. He highlights the importance of Scotland’s Children’s Hearings System, which focuses on the needs of children affected by trauma rather than their actions. Sheriff Mackie also discusses the potential of restorative justice and initiatives like the Bairns' Hoose to support victims. While acknowledging there is still work to be done, he expresses optimism that Scotland is on the right path toward balancing justice and care for young people and society.

Read More →
Audio Clip from Former Prisoner Alex
Audio Clip from Former Prisoner Alex

Alex a former prisoner shares a powerful message about digging deep and persevering. Everyone has a story, and every voice deserves to be heard. Listen and reflect.

Read More →
Navigating the Heartache: A Mother's Journey Through Imprisonment
Navigating the Heartache: A Mother's Journey Through Imprisonment

This blog offers a heartfelt exploration of the emotional and practical challenges faced by families with loved ones in prison. Written by a mother from Shetland, it delves into the unique struggles of navigating incarceration from a distance, including the feelings of panic, loss, and isolation. Through personal stories, the blog highlights the importance of support networks, such as Families Outside, and advocates for designated resources for Island families.

Read More →
 
 

 

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"Elijah had lost hope, he was in fear of his life, depressed, confused, lost, full of shame. In that place of chaos came practical help, order and a healthy rhythm. In the same way we need healthy spiritual rhythms that can sustain us." Car
Download the PW 2023 daily prayer sheet https://www.prisonersweek.org.uk/prayer #prisonersweek2023 #strengthforthejourney Lord, you offer freedom to all people. We pray for those who are held in prison. Break the bonds of fear and isolation that exi

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The Prisoners Week Charter

By signing up to The Charter you can practically support those affected by imprisonment and help raise awareness of the impact of the justice system on individuals, families and communities.

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Did you know?

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7893

SCOTTISH PRISON POPULATION
Source: SPS, 15 Sep 2023

27000

NUMBER OF CHILDREN WITH A FAMILY MEMBER IN PRISON
Source: Families Outside, May 2021 (around 20,000-27,000)

309

WOMEN IN PRISON

Source: SPS, 15 Sep 2023

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