PRISONERS FAMILIES VOICES UK

Prisoners Wives ( BBC Drama )

2012-02-02T10:30:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. I know your blog has received good feedback on the, Prisoners Wives, drama, but I just want to let you know what happened yesterday. My daughter is 7 and I told her that her Dad was in a big factory working. He isn't though, because he is in prison. I just didn't want to break her heart. But some nasty mother at my daughters school must have let her child watch the BBC drama, then told her child that, that is where my daughters dad is. I watched the drama myself and thought it was acted well. But for some of us, the topic on the child being told his dad was working, may have a profound impact on some of us. I really don't know what to think about the drama.

If you or your family have been affected by any issues in the BBC drama and would like to talk to someone. Please contact the link below: ( UK Only )

OFFENDERS FAMILIES HELPLINE

Prison Widow - February Article

2012-02-02T02:45:00.000-08:00

CLICK HERE to read Prison Widow's latest Valentine's article in INSIDE TIME

BBC Prisoners Wives

2012-01-31T02:47:00.000-08:00

Prisoners Wife's - Tonight at 9.00pm BBC 1

The comment thread on this post will be left open for those in this situation to review the drama.

BBC Prisoner's Wives - POPS Press Release

2012-01-30T03:27:00.000-08:00

Prisoners’ Wives - POPS press release‘Prisoners Wives’, the much-anticipated addition to BBC’s original drama season, shines light on the other victims of crime, the families of offenders; the hidden casualties. Starring Emma Rigby and Jonas Armstrong the series is set around the lives of four very different women, highlighting the impact of imprisonment upon family life and the stigma families face as they come to terms with the challenges of being ‘prisoners’ wives’.Behind the drama lie the real-life stories and experiences of men and women who have faced the reality of supporting a family member through a prison sentence. In 2010 POPS (Partners of Prisoners and Families Support Group) were approached by Tiger Aspect Productions to act as consultants for the series ‘Prisoner’s Wives’. Established by families of prisoners in 1988, POPS now deliver support services to families throughout the Criminal Justice System both locally and nationally. As a charity directed and developed by families POPS pride ourselves on our user-led approach and were keen that the voices and experiences of offenders’ families were reflected in any drama concerning them. As a result, a group of 15 family members were invited to share their experiences with Tiger Aspect, guiding the development of the script and visiting the set to meet the cast. It was important to the families that the series represented the trauma of arrest and the reality of the emotional and practical issues that arise when supporting a loved one through a prison sentence. Stigma, from within families and communities, is a significant issue and it is our hope that the series will help to break down some of the barriers families face and promote better understanding. We recognise that as a drama series there will be twists and turns that many regular families do not experience when supporting a relative in prison, but our initial impression is of a drama which highlights the isolation, confusion and distress that many families experience and which tackles head on the reality that imprisonment can affect people from all walks of life. If you would like any further information about POPS please get in touch with us on 0161 702 1000 or by emailing rebecca@partnersofprisoners.co.uk. If you are a family member supporting a relative within the Criminal Justice System and you require information or support you can contact the National Offenders’ Families Helpline for free and in confidence on 0808 808 2003 or by email on info@offendersfamilieshelpline.org

BoltonWise - Are You Having a Laugh?

2012-01-28T13:48:00.000-08:00

RE: The new back to work programme in conjunction with the Jobcentre Plus!

FUNDED BY SEETEC - Employment Training CLICK HERE to visit their site

I was sent home from the first induction for being late. I was late by 60 seconds then made to wait in reception for 10 minutes to be told I arrived too late and to go home, but don't worry my benefits won't be affected this time.I was easily on time for my second attempt at this induction, and that didn't start till 10 minutes after the allocated time, which they allow in case any one was late.On my return after the induction to see my personal advisor, I again was made to wait in reception, again making me late and again being told with a annoyed hint in her words, that if I am late again, I could be sanctioned and that next time just to walk straight through after signing in. How was I suppose to know that when the building is full of coded door locks?From that appointment I was given 4 more new appointments all for the same allocated morning time over the next month.Two of these appointments was to sit at a computer and do a job search for 4 hours. Something I can easily do at home, but it seems I am of an age that I can not be trusted to do so without assistance, in case I might not be able to use my own PC and injure myself!After attending the first of these new appointments, I received a letter from Boltonwise stating a change in 1 of these appointments to a later time in the afternoon. With this new time set firmly in my mind, on the day of my next appointment, I am merrily getting ready with everything prepared to attend it.But shortly before dinner time on this day, I recieved a call from a young, disgruntaled lady who again with a annoyed hint and slightly condescending tone, asked me why I had not attended the appointment set for that morning to do a job search.Being very confused, I asked her as politely as I could to hold on the line whilst I shot downstairs to find the letter stating the new time. To my own shock the mistake was on my part as I had got the day wrong of the time change. Being as it was a genuine mistake on my part and as I had every intention of going to the appointment, the woman's tone on the phone did change slightly and I mean slightly to a more polite posture.Unfortunately, this young woman had already sent the sanction before even speaking to me and as the wheels had already been turned, after speaking to her and my own advisor at Boltonwise, they told me I had to speak to the people at the job centre to try and stop it. As it is they who stop the payments.Now, 3 phone calls later and the frustration of going in circles with those at the job centre saying speak to your advisor at Boltonwise and visa versa, thankfully, to a lovely adviser at the job centre who understood perfectly what I was saying, put a big note on the system to say don't suspend payment to this person.Like I explained, who in their right mind would purposely get sanctioned and a possible suspension in money 1 week before Christmas?One week into the new year, the 3rd appointment was kept at the later time to sit down at a pc and do a job search on the internet for 4 hours. A letter arrives on my door from the kind people at jobseekers stating that since I failed to attend the Boltonwise program, I will be suspended from payment for 2 weeks. Does not sound long, middle of winter with no money to heat your house or feed yourself and payments received fortnightly. That turns 2 weeks without payment into a month! Again, I make calls asking for explanations, going in circles just to end up with my only option left to appeal the decision, and that can take a month or longer if successful, or further still to court!I personaly went to the Jobcentre to pick up the right form for the appeal and after filling it out, I personally returned it to the jobcentre for them to check and send it through to the appeals dept.But, and again its a big but, they said to me in a pretty confused state they should not be doing this, it is Boltonwise who should be sorting this out! They do not even have the proceedures anymore for appeals of this nature, it's all in Boltonwise's hands. On the day of induction the sales man at Boltonwise, who does his pitch very well, when questioned on this subject by others who have been through it before with them, stated that they do not make the decision to suspend anyone, all they do is inform the people who pay the benefits, and they don't want to purposely stop anyone's money! But in the words of the Jobcentre advisor who took my appeal form, it's a bit naughty of them to say that. Now how is all this helping me back to work exactly? Furthermore, my head is so battered by it all, I may as well be back in prison!

By a very angry and confused man! ( via email )

BOLTONWISE

Saturday's PFV Picture

2012-01-28T09:05:00.000-08:00

Oh my! This is just too cute! Thanks to Ann for finding this picture on the net and sending it in to us!

Prison and Financial Hardship - By Anonymous

2012-01-28T02:18:00.000-08:00

I know there are more serious issues going on in this country concerning money, but I am absolutely fuming at my partner - who is in prison. When he was sent down, I had to sort out all the bills and bills that kept on coming through the letterbox for him. I was at my wits end and I'm still struggling financially because I pay for some household items we have, weekly, and I need to keep them, so I have to pay for them. He contributed, so of course I am missing his financial support a lot. I basically eat beans on toast most of the time, so I can keep up with re-payments. Very grim, I know, but other people are in the same situation in this useless country we call the UK. Anyway, my partner rings me and more or less demands money. It's not a lot he asks for, but nevertheless I cannot afford to send him even £5.00 at this moment in time. After everything we've been through together, he then wrote to me saying that if I can't send him any money, then he will write to another woman who will! How sick is that? I'm at the stage where I really couldn't care less whether he writes to 50 women, because I don't need his demands right now, but how unfair is it for other women who are going to be taken in by his crap, because he can talk the talk that's for sure! I never knew how bad this prison situation can get and we have no children thankfully. If we had, I honestly do not know how I would cope at all. Blessings to all in this situation and all I can say is, just keep marching on.

Alas poor Brenda - By prisoner Ben

2012-01-27T05:11:00.000-08:00

Despite a fortune of several hundred million GBP, I hear that the Queen is finding it hard to keep up her palaces. Bummer.Still, it puts my worries over finding bus fares into perspective.

Visit Ben's Prison Blog HERE

Second Prisoner On Run After Hospital Escape

2012-01-25T14:28:00.000-08:00

A prisoner is on the run after two officers were threatened at gunpoint and forced to release him as he was being taken to hospital.Andrew Farndon, 26, was being transported from HMP Highpoint to West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds after he was stabbed in an incident at the prison.Police were contacted just before 7pm by the hospital's A&E staff who reported they could see a man with a gun outside.They received a second call from the escorting prison officers, who said they had a gun pulled on them by a man who confronted them at the hospital.No one was hurt in the incident.Suffolk Police said the pair ran off across the car park and may have escaped in a dark-coloured vehicle.Farndon is the second prisoner to escape from custody this week.

More on the story and updates CLICK HERE

A Fish Plant

2012-01-25T07:57:00.000-08:00

Now come on folks, how cool is this! It's half plant, half fish tank! Bloody fantastic if you ask me! All I need to do now is find out where you buy one from, so if anyone knows, send us an email in please!

HMYOI Hindley - Sack Them All

2012-01-25T05:33:00.000-08:00

A 17-year-old has died in hospital after he was found hanging in his cell at a young offenders institution in Wigan.
Jake Hardy, who was serving six months for affray and common assault, was found at HMYOI Hindley on Friday.
He was taken to hospital, where he died on Tuesday.
The Prison's and Probation Ombudsman will conduct an investigation into the 17-year-old's death.

BBC NEWS

Michael Spurr and the rest of the white collar morons, whom our loved-ones are left in their duty of care, need to open their eyes and do their job properly, or get the **** out and hand it over to someone who damn well can. Our condolences to all of Jake's family & friends.

Families Left Out Of Rehabilitation Programmes - By Tessa

2012-01-25T03:49:00.000-08:00

Hi. I would like to comment on, Pammy's, post please. Bolton Community Drugs Team.
I don't live in the same area ( Bolton ) but I have experienced the same problem in Leeds where I live.
My husband is on a methadone programme for heroin addiction with a local drugs team. He has recently finished a 7 year prison sentence for a drug related offence. I, like many family members of an offender, stood by him and supported him. I even attended a conference with my husband whilst he was in prison to talk about how he had progressed. This involved meeting his drug worker and inside probation officer as he was on a TC wing in prison. ( Therapeutic Community Wing ) But as soon as he was released, he had a lapse and began a methadone programme. Like Pammy, I have literally found it impossible to communicate with his drugs worker. My husband has no problem with me ringing his drugs worker and has told her so, but she is very arrogant and is reluctant to talk to me. I agree with Pammy very much. If the Government along with agencies harp on about the importance of family support, then agencies like drug support should involve families who wish to be involved with their loved-ones progression. Why leave us out in the cold? When all said and done, it is US who live with them 24/7 - Not the support workers!

Single Cell - By Prisoner Ben Gunn

2012-01-24T13:15:00.000-08:00

With the right circumstances and the right staff, being on the spot when a single cell fell vacant served me nicely. It took three weeks but at last I was by myself. Or so I thought.It's not the smell of my new cellmate that annoys me, nor the lack of conversation. His beady eyes take getting used to, and I have to steer clear of his teeth, but what annoys me is his habit of rummaging through my rubbish bin at all hours.

BEN'S PRISON BLOG - Click on the highlighted link and visit Ben's Blog!

The Prison Widow Diet

2012-01-24T09:22:00.001-08:00

Bolton Community Drugs Team - By Pammy

2012-01-24T07:02:00.000-08:00

Hi PFV! I know this a delicate subject for some, but even so, it does need addressing. My partner has been in prison on drug related crimes. He has been out of prison for nearly a year and is on a Methadone script. He attends Bolton CDT (Community Drugs Team ) and goes to pick up his script every week to take to the chemist. On occasions and because he works full-time, I have had to ring the Community Drugs Team and re-arrange his appointments. But there is a big but. His drugs worker ( although she has met me ) is reluctant to talk to me because of data protection even when my partner has told her that it is OK for her to discuss appointments with me. I have stood by my partner whilst he was in 'prison detox' and stood by him all the way through his prison sentence. I have had a huge impact on his resettlement, yet these bloody drug workers treat me like I am some kind of moron. The Government, as many of your readers point out, shout out that families of offenders can make a huge difference when it comes to resettlement. Yet some places ( like drug teams etc ) shun family members. I know my partner better than any drugs worker for God sake! So can someone please explain why some drug agencies treat families unfairly? I'm not impressed whatsoever. Long live your blog by the way and I'm chuffed I'm from Prison Widow's neck of the woods which I found out recently on your Facebook page!

Dinosaur Tattoo

2012-01-24T03:18:00.000-08:00

Struggling With Freedom - By Janis

2012-01-23T00:17:00.000-08:00

Hi. I have just been reading your excellent blog and would like to share a story with you. Three years ago, my partner was released from prison. Like some of you, we struggled as a family with his release. He hadn't been at home for a good while and two of our children were teenagers when he was released. For the last two years of my partners sentence, the kids didn't want to go and visit him and when he came home on weekend leave, they were out with their mates. You can't force your kids to prison visit, so the bond between father and kids was lost. For charities to say that it is important to maintain family ties is true, but they need to back this up with reality also. Some kids when reaching certain ages do not want to prison visit. Therefore the bond starts to dwindle a little. I agree with others on your blog that more awareness needs to be raised about certain problems concerning prison release. It is all well and good receiving romantic cards and letters through the post, but release is reality. It doesn't become part of the jail mail category any more. It's three years down the line for us and still my partner struggles with outside life. I'm not disputing that for some it works out. But many of us amble through it in silence and the situation regarding prison release should be brought to the forefront a bit more than it is.

Prison Book Of The Week

2012-01-22T12:05:00.001-08:00

Wife's New Sofa - By Stu Darlington

2012-01-22T10:49:00.000-08:00

I thought I was being romantic when I bought my missus a new sofa for Xmas, but she ended up kicking off and spending the night at my sister's house when the delivery men brought it. Thing is though, she's a big woman with a fat butt, so if she sits on it enough, then the other end will squash down, so I don't know what her problem is!!!

Release From Prison - By Joanne

2012-01-22T04:53:00.000-08:00

I read a lot of stories about how excited families are when their loved one is released from prison. I was too and those who are waiting for someone serving a long sentence I can fully understand why because I was in this situation. Sadly, the pressure of life on the outside is just too much for my partner and myself. He served just over 12 years in prison and cannot understand why it is so difficult to find a job. Times out here have changed and he is struggling. We are constantly arguing and the stress is unbearable to the point that we are now relying on probation to find him alternative accommodation. No one prepares families for this. I know how difficult it must be for someone being released from prison after a long sentence, but isn't that what prison is for? Preparing someone for the outside and to be a better person? We have children aged 14 and 17 who both still live at home and are becoming aggressive towards their Dad, because number 1, their Dad is depressed and is taking it out on me, and number 2, the kids have lost that bond with him therefore feel that there is a stranger in the house. It is a nightmare. Charities, organisations and other governing bodies stipulate how important it is to maintain family ties, yet none of them help us to prepare for our loved ones release from prison. Most of the support they provide is for families with a loved one in prison - families need further support for release because it is the hardest part of being a prisoners family member in my opinion.

Nottingham Prison Staff In Protest

2012-01-21T10:23:00.000-08:00

More than one hundred staff held a protest meeting outside Nottingham Prison due to a rise in the number of assaults against officers by inmates.Nottinghamshire Police has confirmed it is investigating five serious assaults at the prison this year.

Watch The Video By CLICKING HERE

New Hats For Conservative Party

2012-01-21T04:32:00.000-08:00

Pictured above - A worker tests the new hats for the Conservative Party!

Probation Service Doesn't Work - By Shelly

2012-01-21T03:15:00.000-08:00

Hi to all. To be honest with everyone, I don't mind the 5 minute probation appointment because they aren't worth any longer anyway! My partner is on licence and his appointments only consist of the pleasantries which are, 'how are you'? His probation officer can't ask him anything else because it has been myself and my partner who has pulled out all the stops during his resettlement on the outside. It has been myself who has done his CV, and it has been down to him to find employment which he has done. My thoughts on the probation service are negative ones if I am truthful. Like the previous poster on your website, I agree with her that I find the service a complete waste of time and all my partner is doing is 'checking in.' If this is the case, then why don't they use the local police stations to do this because it costs my partner over £5.00 to get to the probation office to inform them that he is OK! What is the bloody point of this service if this is all they have to offer? Fair enough, I know that some ex offenders need support with CV's etc, but I know ex offenders who have never had the help off probation anyway! Personally they need to scrap the service and come up with something alternative. If the service only consists of 'the probation meet and greet' then quite clearly the service isn't working! A waste of tax-payers money!

HMP Ford inmates 'fought as prison burned'

2012-01-20T13:14:00.000-08:00

Inmates fought among themselves as an open prison was torched in a riot, a court has heard.While some prisoners at Ford Open Prison in West Sussex smashed windows and set fire to buildings, others were trying to save their "home".But those who tried to put the fires out were called "screws" by those causing the damage on on 1 January 2011, Hove Crown Court heard.

READ MORE AND CLICK HERE - Source BBC NEWS

Probation - By Miss Goldie

2012-01-20T07:06:00.000-08:00

OK, where do I start? My man has been out of prison for just over 16 months. He's on licence and is doing well in a full time job. In the 16 months, he has had four probation officers and each time they hand him over to someone else, he gets a letter saying he's missed his appointment and has to prove why he never turned up. Fair enough I hear you say, but there's a but. His first and second probation officer worked around my man's shifts which worked well. The third probation officer looked like she had come out of a youth club and the present one now, well, the word thick as pig poop springs to mind. She sent a letter out saying she would breach my man if he didn't prove why he never turned up at his appointment. Do probation officers EVER read their NEW clients case files beforehand? I must admit, it has been a complete and utter waste of his time being on licence. I know it's the law blah blah blah, but it's a complete bloody farce for many that have to turn up to be seen for 5 minutes. Not impressed with the service one bit!

Tent Mansion

2012-01-20T03:20:00.000-08:00

Check out this cool mansion made from tents!

The Great Unwashed - By Prisoner Ben Gunn

2012-01-13T12:16:00.000-08:00

Whenever I bitched at Erlestoke about being dumped on a wing littered with short sentenced smack heads, some pompous ass in a uniform would berate me. It seems that I "must learn to live with different sorts of people, like in the real world".Tripe. Utter balls. In all of our individual lives - here and out there - the people we mix with are ones with whom we share some affinity. Just take a shufti at your own social group.Obviously we bump into those we would not select to deal with, be it at work or in the supermarket queue. Again. the same applies in here as out there.But this is a far cry from being forced to live with them 24 hours a day. So my response to these sill staff is to tell them that when they choose to take their annual vacation on the local sink estate, I will hear them out. Until then...

BEN'S PRISON BLOG

It's A Better Life In Prison - By Anon

2012-01-12T03:07:00.000-08:00

My brother is in prison. He's 32 years of age. He sent me a letter last week talking about his release. ( Which is in March of this year) I cannot believe what he actually put in the letter! He talked about unemployment and that when he gets his own flat, debt collectors will track him down for money he owes etc. He then said that it's less stressful being in prison and that the outside is just too much stress. Basically he said that if it gets too much, he's going back in prison. I am shocked and upset that he thinks this way and have tried to talk some sense in to him, but he said that there is no way he is living on the out if it makes him ill! What kind of message does this send out at all? We are all under financial pressure right now, but I would never choose prison as an easy way out so to speak. Does anyone else know of anyone who thinks this way?

Feeling Alone and Abandoned - By Deena

2012-01-11T01:13:00.000-08:00

I get called a fool for taking my baby to prison to visit her Dad. I know what he's done is not acceptable, but on one hand I'm encouraged to visit him by organisations etc, and on the other hand I'm being slagged off by my family for going visiting him. Prisoners families are often told how important it is to maintain family ties and if possible, try to stay in contact as much as you can. But that doesn't make it easier if you have a family like mine who are totally against me visiting him with our daughter. I feel alone and don't know where to look for support because the only person who is really talking to me is my partner in prison at the moment. Is there any direction you can point me in please?

PRISON CHAT UK - supporting those with a loved one in prison

Will Mum Still Be Here On My Son's Release?

2012-01-09T11:36:00.000-08:00

By Anonymous ( Via Prisoners Families Voices Facebook )

Hello to all. Firstly, thanks for giving families of prisoners a place to go. I have read your blog for a few months now. My concern at the moment is my Mum. She is 68 years old and my son is a lifer. I know exactly what she's thinking, " Will I be alive when my grandson is released?" Truth is, it's probably unlikely but we mustn't think like that, I know. Every time we visit, she breaks down on the way home. She's never said it, but I know exactly what is going through her mind. My son spent many years with her whilst I worked full time, so she is naturally devastated, as we all are. But we can't put our life's on hold, we have to live them and support him the best we can by visiting and keeping in touch writing letters. If the inevitable happens, I will absolutely dread that day. Sorry to be morbid, but I haven't heard or read many stories similar to mine, and their must be sadly. In this sorry situation, all we can do is be supportive of one another. Thanks for your time.

Bonnie And Clyde's Guns Auction

2012-01-09T05:45:00.000-08:00

Two firearms seized during a raid of a hideout of the legendary outlaw couple Bonnie and Clyde will be put up for auction later this month.
The .45-caliber 1921 Thompson sub-machine gun, also known as a 'Tommy gun', and an 1897 12-gauge Winchester shotgun will be sold by Mayo Auction & Realty in Kansas City.
On April 13, 1933, police raided an apartment in Joplin, Missouri, where Bonnie and Clyde were hiding out.

Full Story HERE - Source Sky News

Prisoners Children - By Sunnygirl

2012-01-09T04:28:00.000-08:00

I haven't spoke up before but after finding your blog, I would like the opportunity. My husband is in prison and has been in prison since 2010. Our daughter has been bullied at school and has had a hard time. The bullying has stemmed from her Dad being in prison by the way. In summer of 2011, just after summer half term, my daughter along with her class room pals, were asked to draw a picture of what they did in the summer holidays. My daughter drew a prison and gaurds, which the teacher questioned whether her Dad was in the army. My daughter, not realising the stigma involved, innocently told the teacher and her class that her Dad was in prison and that was a picture of the prison were she visited over the summer holidays. I just feel gutted that my daughter has been through this and the humiliation she went through and is still experiencing. Her teacher has been pretty good in keeping her eye on my daughter but the bullying is still happening. Mainly at break time. I'm thinking of taking her out of the school and finding her another one, but this could well happen in any school. I know I'm not on my own as I have read other posts and stories on the net about this situation. But why does it seem that no-one is helping children who have a Mum or Dad in prison? Is this normal for them to be ignored?

Read Book Shelf

2012-01-09T03:55:00.000-08:00

The Real Culprits In HM Prison's - By CC

2012-01-09T02:38:00.000-08:00

Hi. I have been reading various posts on your blog that cover stories about prisoners families being targeted by prison governors on visits. One of the most disgusting stories was when I heard about HMP Bristol filming families on visits to clamp down on drug smuggling. What an insult when everyone knows damn well that the majority of contraband comes in to prison via other sources and need I say any more! Even TV broadcasting companies do not have the balls to expose the real culprits! As for filming families when they are visiting? Carry on exposing prison's and their Governors because they deserve it and I actually found your blog through googling HMP Bristol so the posts are up there getting read! Well done and I think your blog is bloody great by the way!

Prison and Work - By Emily

2012-01-08T11:32:00.000-08:00

Hi to everyone. My partner is in prison and I decided not to mention it at work. It's a personal choice and work is an escape for me. Just before Xmas though, a lady started work at the same place as me and I know her son is in the same prison as my partner because she lives nearby and I sometimes see her on visits. I am now toying with the idea that I should tell my boss before the truth comes tumbling out from someone else. I have heard her talk about her son in the work canteen so she is very upfront about her son being in prison. I'm just scared because of what my work colleagues might think and I know I shouldn't be, but I just feel embarrassed about the whole thing. Has anyone else had the same experience as me?

HMP Sudbury Rumours

2012-01-08T10:10:00.000-08:00

Rumour has it that some management here at Sudbury want to try to stop me blogging. I will resist any such effort. If they do try, I hope that the blogosphere will do whatever they can to help resist this censorship?
-please put up ASAP ! Ben

Go over and visit Ben's Prison Blog by clicking HERE

Welcome Mat In Prison

2012-01-08T08:36:00.000-08:00

A local prison in the UK has been slated for using a door mat ( or in their case, a cell mat ) on entering the jail. A prisoner ( who cannot be named because his Mum said so ) said that he was disgusted at the mat's content when he wiped his feet on it. He said, " Prisoners should be made welcome, not mocked"!

Reported by Prison Widow

Letter Destroys Prisoner - By Anxious Mum

2012-01-07T08:14:00.000-08:00

My daughter is 12 and like a lot of your readers, her Dad is in prison and won't be released until she is roughly 24 years of age. The other morning, her Dad rang me to tell me he had received a letter from her telling him that she hates his guts and never wants to see him again. He was distraught. I asked her about this and she admitted that she sent the letter and that she copied the address and his prison number from my note book at the side of the phone. She said that he has ruined her life because he has committed a crime that has put him in prison. He was sentenced to prison for a violent robbery. I don't honestly know what to do at all. What do I do and where do I go from here? Thanks in advance.

Comment: PFV has sent the writer a list of support groups of which some of them can be found on the left hand side column of the blog.

Keyboard Not Found

2012-01-07T06:26:00.000-08:00

Hmm! Now then, how does this work? Whoever coded and programmed this message mustn't have realised that this is an impossible task? I mean..... Duh?

The Bishop and the Prisoner

2012-01-06T14:07:00.000-08:00

The Rt Rev James Jones visits Liverpool, High Down and Forest Bank prisons, witnesses the 'processing' of inmates, measures a cell and talks to prisoners about why they are there.

Click HERE to watch on BBC iPlayer - Episode 1

Filming Prisoners Families? - By Shona

2012-01-06T00:22:00.000-08:00

Hi!There's something that's always baffled me - or maybe not when I sit down and really get my brain in to gear! With all the prison documentaries that have been floating around on TV, I wondered whether any TV company have considered airing one that involves the families of prisoners and what shit they have to go through? Like how the prison lose prisoners property ( that families have bought from their own pocket) and how after travelling hours to see a loved one in prison, you get put on a closed visit for less than an hour because the 'faulty' drugs dog says you have too! I could go on and on and on, but common sense tells me that TV companies are only interested in the prisoners and the characters they have banged up in jails. Families of prisoners won't even get a look in - probably because the truth hurts and the prison service cannot be made out to look like morons in front of the general public!

World's Oldest Couple To Divorce

2012-01-04T13:30:00.000-08:00

The husband, identified by lawyers in the case as Antonio C, found out about the adultery when he was looking through an old chest of just before Christmas. He immediately asked his wife, who is identified as Rosa C, for a divorce as he was so upset over the betrayal. Court papers released in Rome this week revealed that she sent letters to her lover during a secret affair in the 1940s… Lawyer Anna Orecchioni said: ‘The husband decided to file for divorce after finding the love letters. He felt betrayed and unable to carry on with the marriage which has lasted 77 years.

Prison Widow - January Article In Inside Time

2012-01-04T05:38:00.000-08:00

First and foremost, I would like to wish my readers a Happy … Same Year! It is rather inappropriate for me to use the word, ‘new’ in this situation sometimes! Part and parcel of being a prison widow means that one has to tread carefully. You have to choose your words very wisely. Although for some prison widow’s, that is not the case. I remember not too long ago when I received an email from another prison widow who stated that there aren’t many appropriate greeting cards for prisoners. I agreed with her, but when I looked back, I haven’t struggled in that department to be honest. I have always found meaningful cards to send to my other half. Every time he was recalled or sent down to serve a sentence, I’d send him a ‘Good Luck in Your New Home’ card.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE - Source Inside Time Newspaper

My Partner And Son Are Both In Prison - By A

2012-01-04T00:36:00.000-08:00

Dear Prisoners Families Voices. I do visits to different prison's on a regular basis because both my partner and son are in prison. My family do not speak to me because they blame me for not leaving my partner which they say has resulted in my son becoming a criminal and ending up the same way as his dad. His dad has been in prison for most of my son's life. So he hasn't been around much. The only contact my son had was when I took him to visit his dad. I often think, " Did prison not frighten my son seeing his dad sat there"? Hundreds of questions run through my mind. And up to the age of 17, my son was a model student and a great kid. Things went wrong which I would rather not speak about because it is too upsetting. None of my family have stepped back and thought, " It's their fault." They are blaming me, blaming me for raising my son through prison visits. I thought that the more contact my son had with his dad on prison visits would make him realise that prison is a mugs game. But how is it my fault?

( Post edited with writers permission. Received via PFV Facebook )

Dog Used To Sniff Out Diabetes In Jail

2012-01-03T07:04:00.001-08:00

“Pascoe has been sent to jail and he’s only 12 months old. But far from being naughty, this cavalier king charles spaniel is in training to save lives. Inmates at Junee Prison in the state’s south are teaching Pascoe how to pick up changes in people’s body odour or their breath so he can be a diabetic alert dog. As soon as Pascoe learns to follow his nose – with sweet, fruity smells warning of high blood sugar levels or rusty, acidic smells indicating low blood sugar – he will be given to a family with a diabetic child to alert them to changes in glucose levels. The Pups in Prison program has been run by Assistance Dogs Australia and the NSW Department of Corrective Services for four years, but it’s only the second time a dog has been trained to sniff diabetes. “The prisoners take it very seriously,” Junee Prison’s manager Andy Walker said “It does boost morale. There are up to six dogs in the prison at the same time.

UK Government Ignores Prisoners Children - By Lindy

2012-01-03T02:09:00.000-08:00

My daughter is 15 and her dad has been in prison since she was 12. She seemed to cope reasonably well at first, but now she is getting older, it is affecting her. She doesn't get to see her dad often because he is in a prison far from where we live, so her only contact is through letters and phone calls. The phone calls aren't great because they cannot have a lengthy conversation because of the expensive call charges from prison. So all in all, it's mainly down to letters. Needless to say, this has caused a problem lately because she says she feels she cannot express what she wants to says properly. No doubt other prisoners families have the same problem sometimes. I feel she needs some counselling and I am appalled that the UK Government have not got anything in place for children of prisoners! Shame on them! Blair, Brown, Cameron, have all banged on about children being our future - well lets see some walking instead of the constant talking then!

Dutch TV Presenters In Cannibal Stunt

2012-01-02T11:45:00.000-08:00

Two Dutch presenters are expected to provoke outrage with a macabre television stunt in which they eat each other's flesh in front of a studio audience.

Dennis Storm and Valerio Zeno both underwent surgery to have a small piece of muscle tissue removed for the grim stunt.
Mr Zeno had flesh taken from his abdomen, while Mr Storm is understood to have had buttock muscle tissue cut out.
A chef then fried the flesh and the pair ate it in front of the audience.
The stunt features on the BNN television show Proefkonijnen - which means Guinea Pigs.
The pair try to answer "stupid questions" by taking on unusual challenges.
The footage does not actually show the moment they eat the flesh but it does show it being cooked.
They have so far refused to say how the snack, which they ate without any salt or pepper, actually tasted but admitted there was "nothing really that special" about it.
Mr Storm said he did not regret his decision but added: "It is weird to look into the eyes of a friend when you are chewing on his belly."
They insisted their stunt was entirely legal in The Netherlands as both had entered into the pact voluntarily.
A lawyer advised the show's producers that while cannibalism is not itself against the law, the presenters or the surgeon who operated on them could face legal difficulties.
Mr Storm and Mr Zeno said there was no health risk involved as long as their flesh was properly cooked.

Source SKY NEWS

How Your Value Is Judged - By Prisoner Ben

2012-01-02T09:21:00.000-08:00

In your world the question, "What do you do?" is heavily loaded with socioeconomic meaning. You know that the way you earn a living can be used to judge everything from your intellect to your ethics.
This isn't the case in prison. Our employment is not viewed as a central part of our identity. We may ask each other "Where do you work?", but the response is only a small part in the jigsaw that comprises who we are and far less important in the judgement of identity than sentence or time served.
This may be a function of how prison work is allocated. The blind hand of the market plays no part - the needs of the institution and management imperatives are all important. The needs of prisoners are largely irrelevant, even though this failure to train useful skills may have very real consequences in terms of reoffending.
On a very personal level I can't help wondering about the bureaucratic mind which saw fit to allocate me to a workshop in order to sandpaper prison furniture. Having already spent several months scrubbing floors I wondered if there would ever be a point at which my keepers would consider that I may just may have abilities which could be used to make a more positive and significant contribution to prison life?
Or is this situation a reflection of management attitudes - prisoners are stupid and useless? Perhaps it is over optimistic of me to think that, in the last few months of my sentence, staff may think, "hey, he's on his way out, lets see just what he is capable of?"

Visit Ben's Prison Blog By Clicking HERE

Prison Service Is Unfair On Families - By Kassie B

2012-01-02T04:08:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone at PFV! I came across your blog through Inside Time prison newspaper! Liking prison widow's stories by the way! It makes for good reading and lightens things up for us! Anyway, what I want to write about is the many families who struggle to visit their loved ones in prison because the prison service ship them out bloody hundreds of miles away from home. I get that some prisoners may have to move prison's to progress through the system etc. But some are shipped out for spite in my opinion! To visit my hubby, it takes me 2.5 hours on an all round trip on the lovable British public transport. It's a drag, but I'm in good enough health to do it. On the other hand, my hubby's parents aren't. Unless a relative offers to drive us to the prison ( which is more or less once a year ) his parents cannot visit through health problems that would take me hours to explain. Do the prison service think this is fair? I know the general public would, but I couldn't give a toss what they think as they obviously cannot establish the innocent parties in this situation. So I wonder what the prison service think? The same prison service who bang on about maintaining family ties and all that rubbish - and it is rubbish! Prisoners families are constantly drawing the short straw when it comes to others assuming what is best for them. What is best for prisoners families is bloody regular visits to see their loved ones in prison. My hubby's parents are in a position were this is just not possible!

Prison Visits Are Not Playgrounds - By Emma

2012-01-02T00:09:00.000-08:00

order is needed on prison visits

RE: Above post.

Hi. I am a prisoners partner and I think that order is much needed on prison visits. Don't get me wrong, I love kids, but when I travel nearly 3 hours to see my man, I at least expect the visit to be a one on one, not shooing kids away from our table. Every minute is precious when visiting because we don't get long. I get furious when some parents/visitors let their kids run riot everywhere in the visits hall. Some charities and Governing bodies seem to think that prisoners families can lower the re-offending rate by keeping in touch with their loved ones in prison and visiting as frequently as they can. I too think this is a possibility for some, but not all. The reason I think this is because some visitors do not have respect for others by allowing their kids to run and scream like it's a playground. Prison visits are not playgrounds, they are supposed to be places where family members can talk and maintain the little ties the prison service allows us to. So for those who ignore their children on visits, my message is clear... Get a grip and show some respect for visitors who want some privacy!

PFV Headline Of The Day

2012-01-01T10:47:00.000-08:00

Prisoner Protection - By Owen Cash

Sounds about right! Never owe money in prison!

Order Is Needed In Visit Rooms - By Mazzy

2012-01-01T06:54:00.000-08:00

Eye Candy for Prison Officers

Hi, I would like to respond to Susan's post on prison visitors dressing inappropriately.

See above link.

To be frank, I think some prison visitors go way over the top and it makes them look ridiculous. I remember on one visit a girl wearing a really short skirt, boobs half falling out of her top, and make-up as heavy as a drag queens! Then she practically dives on her partner kissing him throughout the visit ( even when told not too by the prison officers ) leaving her kids to run wild screaming all over the visits room. Fair enough, we miss our partners in prison, but for God sake, a little bit of respect should be in order for other visitors and control should definitely be in order keeping children under control. We are all in the same boat, but when we are imposed on by other peoples children at our tables, that's when it becomes a bit naughty.

Drunken Prisoner Enjoys New Years Eve

2012-01-01T06:22:00.000-08:00

Here we have an exclusive picture of Norman at HMP Kirkham open prison on a New Years Eve bender! We hope Norman recovers and stays off the prison hooch in the future... Or at least until next weekend! Happy new year Norman!

Eye Candy For Prison Officers

2012-01-01T03:51:00.000-08:00

By Guest Writer Susan Davidson ( Partner of a Prisoner )

I have been visiting prison's twice a month solid for 5 years. Whilst doing so, I have met all kinds of different people from young to old. I have had cups of coffee with some families and I have nearly choked to death off perfume and hairspray in the visitor's centre's loo's. Once inside the visits room, I have witnessed the elderly cry and seen the young sticking their tongues down their partners throat whilst flashing the cleavage. And the latter becomes the table that most male prison officers focus on. Sexist? Far from it! I have watched prison officers nudge each other at the eye candy that walks in to visit rooms. Then I question whether or not some of the women dress inappropriately and personally I think they do. Maybe I'm old fashioned or a stick in the mud, but these are prison's we visit, not night clubs. The Prison Service are quick to lay down the law for prison visitors and pose on us strict search procedures, yet they allow women through their doors that mirror the likes of, Jodie Marsh and Katie Price on their way out for a night in Soho! What are your opinions on this?

Email us with your opinions to:

prisonersfamilieswriting@googlemail.com or contact us through our Facebook Pages!

A Prison Telephone Call - By Prison Widow

2011-12-31T06:17:00.000-08:00

Here's wishing everyone a happy new year! For those who aren't being released from prison in 2012, it's a 'happy same year' with a 12 on the end of it!

My other half rang me this morning. He asked me what I'd bought his Mum for Christmas because he couldn't remember. I reminded him that I'd got her a voucher for Selfridges. He replied by saying that she didn't need a new freezer! I spent the next 80p of his prison phone credit trying to explain that Selfridges was a department store, NOT a place that sells freezers and is spelt, Selfridges, NOT Sell Fridges! Anyway, I look forward to promoting the blog even more in the new year and would like to wish all my readers and supporters all the best for 2012.

Fairy Nuff - Picture Of The Day

2011-12-31T03:21:00.000-08:00

A polite notice left pinned to a door.... and a rather straight to the point one too!

Prison Visit Booking Clerk Degrades Pensioner

2011-12-30T12:57:00.000-08:00

I would also like to comment on prison visit booking lines. My problem is the way the prison treats my mother. She is a pensioner and the prison situation is totally alien to her. A few weeks ago, whilst I was working away, she had to ring herself to book a visit. The booking clerk was a complete cow with my Mum by being obnoxious and rude. Certain things on a V.O ( visiting order) need to be verified, and my Mum got all flustered because she had never booked a visit before. She ended up in tears and needless to say when I got home, I rang them and blasted them as well as sending the prison Governor a letter. There is no need to treat us in this manner. For many families, it's upsetting and degrading enough having to walk through a prison visit door without being treated like morons by some HMP jobsworth!

By Gill ( Via PFV Facebook )

A Prison Pizza

2011-12-30T12:29:00.000-08:00

By Brenni ( PFV Volunteer )

My cooker broke down on me over Christmas and when I told my partner, who is in prison, he suggested I make a pizza the prison way! Erm, I'm not too sure I could stomach it though! LOL!

man dies from eating cocaine hidden in brother’s butt

2011-12-30T03:33:00.000-08:00

A South Carolina man died within an hour after eating cocaine that was hidden in his brother’s rectum, according to ABC4 News. The two brothers, 23-year-old Deangelo Rashard Mitchell and 20-year-old Wayne Mitchell, were taken into custody on allegations they had drugs in their car. While in the back of the police car, the older brother convinced the younger brother to eat cocaine, which he had hidden in his rectum. The in-car police video showed Deangelo pleading with his younger brother to eat the cocaine so that he could avoid a life-long prison sentence. His young brother eventually agreed, and died of a drug overdose shortly afterwards.

Full Story CLICK HERE

Prison Visit Booking Lines - By Amanda J

2011-12-30T02:46:00.000-08:00

HM Prison Service state that they will do anything to ensure that families of prisoners are treated fairly and that their experience is not a painful one. OK, so then why am I spending hours of my time trying to book a visit to see my partner? Sometimes after waiting and waiting on the telephone line, I finally get through, only to be cut off and my having to re-dial again faced with yet another lengthy wait! This is not acceptable and over the 15 months my partner has been inside, I have used and wasted hundreds of pounds of credit on my mobile phone trying to get through to a booking line. Surely by now there should be an easier way to book visits and of course to save money for families. I accept that we are visiting people in prison who have broken the law, but the fact of the matter is, that people like myself and thousands of other families haven't! Maybe prisoners families should club together and file a compensation claim for the hundreds of pounds they are being charged by the prison service for a service that is a shambles most of the time. Prisoners have their rights for visits from their loved ones and friends and we have the right to visit them. But how much exactly is this costing innocent families?

Punitive Healthcare - By Prisoner Ben

2011-12-30T01:02:00.000-08:00

Outside of bad porn or dim basements in Essex, being punished by a nurse is an uncommon occurrence. Except in prison.
What penalties do you suffer if you fail to attend an appointment with your GP? If you really take the Mickey, being struck off his list; but for missing the odd surgery? Perhaps some verbals from the practice manager, a sternly worded letter or two?
The NHS - repeat, NHS - staff who work in prisons have a more potent arsenal to draw upon, the privilege system. For failing to attend an appointment they can issue a formal warning under the Incentives and Earned Privileges Scheme (IEPS).
These warnings affect our level of privileges. How much money we can spend to phone our families. How often we can receive a visit. And, at open prison, when or whether we can work in the community or have home leaves.
Even if we put aside the legality of NHS staff using the prison's mechanisms of control, the question of its ethics is something I'd really like to see justified.

BEN'S PRISON BLOG

Thieves Break In To HMP Kirkham

2011-12-29T10:25:00.000-08:00

How did I miss this story? News from last month:

Dozens of inmates work in the DHL workshop at Kirkham Prison, a Category D open jail, which is used by the courier firm to store supplies for other units.
'Normally the inmates can’t wait to get OUT of here... so having the opposite happen has caused much mirth,' a source told The Mirror of the heist.
'One theory is it was an inside job. At night security is pretty non-existent. There are not enough prison officers to check the whole perimeter.'
Staff at the jail in Lancashire are now examining CCTV footage in an effort to identify the ciggie-stealing culprits.
The theft follows a similar incident earlier this year when burglars in Derbyshire broke into Sudbury Prison and made off with £1,000 of tools from a workshop.
One prisoner described the theft - which included hoses and a trolley - as 'hilarious', while another told The Derby Telegraph: 'How can they be expected to keep the prisoners in if they can't keep the burglars out?'

Read more: http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/882430-thieves-break-into-prison-to-steal-cigarettes-worth-8k#ixzz1hwwBO1ZW

Ants Working On The Prison Wing

2011-12-29T06:41:00.000-08:00

Brian, the prison cleaner, thought he'd let the ants carry on working. With a bit of creativity and the back of an old greeting card from his ex wife, he made a sign! A very small sign, but nevertheless a sign!

Farnworth Police Community Support Officers

2011-12-29T04:31:00.000-08:00

By Stu Darlington

There are area's in the UK that have great teams of these folk protecting the communities. Then there are those that deserve the name, 'plastic coppers.' Take for example those that operate in the Farnworth area. It was brought to my attention that a 'plastic copper' asked one of my friend's son's what he was doing at a bus stop along with a pal of his. They were waiting for a bus, which quite obviously the 'plastic cop' couldn't get his around. Why else would he ask why two youths were standing at a bus stop? Duh, well seriously, that's Farnworth for you! Anyhow, after the 'plastic cop' walked away, my son's friend chuckled. He didn't call 'Robocop' any names or sling obscenities at him, he just simply laughed... But who wouldn't being asked such a useless question why one was waiting at a bus stop! Now then, what happens next must be a 'cop thing.' A van pulled up with 'real coppers' in it and asked my friend's son why he was laughing at 'his colleague.' So the 'plastic cop' must have radioed through and reported that two 14 year old's laughed at him. The word,' dick head', springs to mind here. Don't get me wrong, I have a bit of respect for the old bill, but the majority of them I have met ( and I've met a few ) have been useless with a capital U. I did hear that the youths ( who by the way aren't the chav type ones ) are writing a story on their experience with PCSO'S, with a little guidance from our legend, Prison Widow. ( God help them but she knows folk who know their legal rights ) So folks, what do you think of this wonderful team of 'people' who work to protect the communities in Farnworth? Prison Widow informs me that she will indeed be writing about the 'plastic cops' after she has recovered from the Xmas holidays. What are your community bobbies like? Are they any cop? Tell us about them here and email us at: prisonersfamilieswriting@googlemail.com

Blamed Because Of Son's Crime - By Anon

2011-12-29T02:11:00.000-08:00

Story sent via PFV email - Name protected.

Hi, I would like to share a bit of my story with you and would appreciate it if you could keep my name and details confidential. My son was sent to prison with a recommended sentence of 14 years. The crime he committed was horrendous so I would rather not go in to detail about it. He had never been in trouble previously and what he did was so out of character but nevertheless unforgivable. Since then, my whole family has been blaming me. They have blamed me for living with the shame within the community and won't listen to a thing I have to say. All our family have been affected by this and it's been difficult as we live in the same as the victims family. My son is 23 and I never told him go go out and commit a crime. The only person who will listen to me is an old friend who my family can't stand also because she has had a drug problem in the past, but she listens to me and that's all I want at this moment in time. The last thing I need is the finger being pointed at me. I know this has hurt and shamed my family deeply, but it helps no one if the blame is put on me. He's my son but I'm not the criminal in all this. I never ever thought I would ever be in this situation. But I am and I can't turn back the clock. I just need a shoulder and a ear sometimes, not blame. Thank you.

Cast Adrift - By Prisoner Ben

2011-12-28T09:57:00.000-08:00

One of the pains of imprisonment is the dependancy that the prison service insists upon. We have to rely upon staff for everything from supplying toilet paper to organising release. The full range of human activity is constrained, denied to the prisoner except through the agency of staff.Until you reach open prison. Sudbury has a 'do it yourself" attitude, leaving us to fend for ourselves. This is a shock to some, an irritant for others and liberation for many.It has its drawbacks. Prison is prison, open or not, and there are crucial moments when we must engage with the "Administration". This is not easy when they are nowhere to be found!Autonomy is also at it best when it rests on sound and plentiful information. The basics, such as where to find our food through to the momentous such as when do I begin my home leaves. This places a burden on staff which is inimical to the attitude of benign neglect that of necessity shakes us out of our previous state of dependancy.Whether the precise balance has been found here is something I'm yet as unsure of, but as I bomb about the place trying to get my life organised feel sure I'll soon find out.

Please Visit Ben's Prison Blog HERE

Rude Wrappings - By Prison Widow

2011-12-27T11:19:00.000-08:00

Being Prison Widow has it's moments... Even at Christmas! Nothing is ever normal in my world.... Not even Christmas wrapping paper! Here's a picture above of some of the wrapping paper my Xmas gifts were wrapped up in! I quite like it to be honest! Take a gander at the shop below for unique gift wrap:

RUDE WRAPPINGS ( It really is worth a look! )

Xmas Prison Questions - By San

2011-12-27T04:43:00.000-08:00

Hi PFV. I hope you all had a lovely Xmas Day! I made my son's Xmas Day a good one as it is his first one without his Dad. But I wasn't prepared for the questions he was asking me and they made me real sad. My son is 6 years old and he was asking how Santa got in to prison to take his Dad's Xmas present. He asked if he uses magic keys to get through the prison doors etc. Then he said that his Dad won't get anything because he has been bad. It was a confusing topic for him so I changed the subject. It was obviously on his mind though. He faces another Xmas without his Dad next year so I am going to prepare myself next time around. My son was even asking his Dad things on the phone which I think my partner really struggled to answer. I just thought I'd write in to tell you about my experience. Prison affects children in lots and lots of ways and those who commit crime and carry on committing it should stop their selfishness and think about what this does to their children.

Man Grew Cannabis Christmas Tree

2011-12-26T10:24:00.000-08:00

A man who grew a large cannabis plant to look like a Christmas tree will spend the festive season in prison after police found his home-based drug factory. Ian Richards, 46, made the cannabis plant resemble a festive tree by growing it to 5ft tall and decorating it with brightly-coloured baubles. Police found it along with a small number of other cannabis plants when they raided his home in Aylesham, Kent, last December. Investigating officer PC Darren Dennett said: “By using a 5ft tall cannabis plant as a Christmas tree, Richards showed a total disregard for the law.” A judge at Canterbury Crown Court sentenced Richards to 18 months behind bars for drugs.

FULL STORY HERE

HMP Erlestoke

2011-12-26T09:43:00.000-08:00

Two bags containing Class B drugs, mobile phones, Sim cards, CDs and computer games have been found at HMP Erlestoke Prison near Devizes.The bags were thrown over the perimeter fence in two separate incidents.Wiltshire Police said the items would have a "significantly high value" within the prison and have begun an investigation.A Prison Service spokesman said there was a "zero-tolerance approach to drugs and mobile phones in prisons".He said: "HMP Erlestoke is a rural prison, and our security measures there are subject to constant review."Any banned items found within the prison will be dealt with appropriately and, if necessary, referred to the police."The spokesman declined to say how often incidents of this nature take place at the prison.A recent inspection at Erlestoke reported that the availability of illegal drugs among prisoners remained a "serious problem".

Comment: Christmas goodies for some of the prisoners at HMP Erlestoke then?

BBC NEWS CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE

As Seen At The Cash Machine

2011-12-26T07:37:00.000-08:00

Picture of the day!

Merry Xmas - By Prisoner Ben

2011-12-26T05:40:00.000-08:00

In a segregation unit far away in time and distance, the night patrol was stomping up and down the corridor in his boots, keeping the prisoners awake. This was rude in the extreme; night staff usually wear appropriately silent footwear lest they disturb their charges.This particular fellow was being ignorant in the extreme, and was subjected to volleys of abuse, all of it unrepeatable for the civilised eye that graces this page.Until, deep into yet another night disturbed by his footfalls, a prisoner's voice sang out from behind his door."Guv", he shouted, "when's Christmas?"The screw, quick as a flash, replied "the 25th".The impatient convict replied "No, I mean, what day does it fall on?"The screw reached for one of the three items of equipment no screw is ever without, his diary, and began leafing through. Much ruffling of pages later, he shouted back to the con "on a Saturday"."Thanks, said the con. We'll make sure we buy you a present then - some FUCKING SLIPPERS"!

BEN'S PRISON BLOG

Christmas Joy - By Prison Widow

2011-12-26T03:56:00.001-08:00

What a superb day I had yesterday! Here's a pic of my granddad blowing up his new doll!!!!

Merry Christmas To All Our Readers

2011-12-24T02:31:00.000-08:00

We would like to wish all our PFV readers a Merry Christmas!

Melted Snowman Cookies

2011-12-21T13:39:00.001-08:00

Tutorial at Truly Custom Cakery

Prisoners Families Online Support

2011-12-21T13:16:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. My Mum is very down and wants to be on her own on Christmas Day. My brother ( her son ) was sent down at the beginning of the year and she cannot seem to come to terms with it. I was wondering if there is any support groups around so that I can talk to someone about this. I am keeping the way my Mum is a secret from my brother because he cannot do anything for her whilst he's in prison. The less he knows, the better, plus he has been suffering from anxiety and panic attacks whilst in prison. It's all a bloody mess if I am honest with you, but I would appreciate it if you could suggest any support groups for families in this type of situation. Thank you all. From Anonymous ( Via PFV Facebook Page )

PRISON CHAT UK - Online support forum for prisoners families.

Bush Transformed In To Xmas Pudding!

2011-12-19T13:20:00.000-08:00

With such a festive-sounding surname, Roger and Valerie Holley might have felt obliged to bring some Christmas cheer to their quiet residential street. So the couple decided to clip their 20ft conifer tree into the shape of a Christmas pudding – then completed it with lashings of cream, huge holly leaves and big red berries. The front garden hedge also has a giant robin perching on top and has become a popular landmark in Yeovil, Somerset, over the past five years at Christmas time. Grandfather-of-three Roger, 62, said: ‘We are really proud of our Christmas pudding and robin. ‘It has taken a lot of work to make it look this good, but the effort was worth it. ‘The tree is still a real favorite with the neighbors. They kid us about it but I think they really look forward to seeing it every Christmas.

Life Should Mean Life ... Again - By Prisoner Ben

2011-12-19T12:40:00.000-08:00

It never ceases to astound me just how many prisoners contain fascist urges, advocating law and order policies which might make Himmler wince.Cornered by two such proto-fascists, I was berated ("nothing personal...") with the concept that "life should mean life" for murderers. Haven't I heard that dim-witted slogan a thousand times before? And addressed it in previous posts!The problem with that idea is that the definition of murder is far, far broader than the common mind appreciates. No intent to kill is necessary. All that is required is an intent to cause serious harm, and death resulting. That intent can be inferred from the circumstances.The legal conception of murder, then, encompasses old ladies who administer a lethal drug at their dying husbands request; through to the craziest of serial killers. And this is where the "life should mean life" chant begins to waver.It turns out that, faced with these facts, what people actually mean is that Life should mean Life only for the murders that they themselves find particularly awful. And grannies bitten by the euthanasia bug are not included. Odd, that.These glitches in the argument aside, I argue from a more heartfelt position. That no person is irredeemable. And that no amount of suffering inflicted on a murderer alters the endless fact that a person is dead.

BEN'S PRISON BLOG

Frosty The Snowman Arrested

2011-12-19T05:21:00.000-08:00

Who says ‘Frosty the Snowman’ has to be jolly? A man in a ‘Frosty the Snowman’ costume was arrested Saturday during the annual Christmas parade in Chestertown, on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. He’s accused of scuffling with police and kicking at a police dog. Sgt. John A. Dolgos tells The Star Democrat of Easton that 52-year-old Kevin Michael Walsh became agitated when a dog-handling officer tried to escort him away from the crowd. Walsh told The Associated Press that he has dressed as Frosty in the parade for at least 10 years. He says he was wrongfully arrested.

Edible Christmas House

2011-12-18T12:40:00.000-08:00

“Nothing matches the childhood joy of building, admiring—then devouring—a holiday gingerbread house. This mouthwatering gift lets you expand that tradition with enough glee for all the children, grandchildren, godchildren, relatives, and lucky friends of all ages. This unique edible playhouse is handcrafted of 381 lbs. of gourmet gingerbread and 517 lbs. of royal icing by the expert confectioners at Dylan’s Candy Bar. The munchable manor, which stands 6.6 feet high by 5.25 feet wide by 4.1 feet deep, incorporates the best confections from the world’s largest candy store in New York City. With literally thousands of signature gourmet sweets from which to choose, it is both artfully designed and decadently delicious. It includes giant cookies, lollipops, gummies, mints, gumdrops, and (of course) a candy-encrusted roof. There’s also a lollipop tree inside, just for good measure. CEO and self-proclaimed Candy Queen Dylan Lauren was inspired as a child when she watched the classic movie Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory. With Dylan’s Candy Bar locations throughout the nation, she’s made all our dreams come true.

Do Christmas For The Children - By R

2011-12-18T10:20:00.000-08:00

I would like to respond to the post about the lady who said she hoped her husband was learning his lesson because he can't be home for Christmas. Many would probably disagree with her, but I don't. My kids are going to miss their Dad so so much this Christmas and I feel bitter towards him for putting us all through this. Some families cannot have their loved ones with them this Christmas because they have departed from this world, yet my partner chooses not to be with his family because he goes out and gets himself charged with an offence and gets locked up in prison. But no matter what, I will make sure my kids have a good Christmas because they are all that matters. I would like to wish others in my situation a lovely Christmas and to those who have a loved one in prison who are innocent, my thoughts will be with you all. A merry Christmas too to everyone who runs the PFV blog and thanks for making it a great platform so that families of prisoners can speak out.

Giant Talking Lamp

2011-12-17T14:41:00.000-08:00

One of the most popular tourist attractions in the Swedish city of Malmö, the giant lamp of Lilla Torg square seems like something taken out of Alice in Wonderland. First installed in 2006, the 18 feet high lamp quickly became a favorite spot for both locals and tourists. Featuring a foot that also acts as a bench, this installation was created with the idea of giving passers-by a chance to sit down, relax and forget about daily stress, if only just for a few minutes. Throughout the year, the enormous lamp tours the various squares of Malmö, but on December 15, just before Christmas, it always returns to Lilla Torg.

Mum To Sue Prison After Son's Death

2011-12-17T07:28:00.000-08:00

The mother of an inmate who committed suicide in Wandsworth prison has questioned why authorities have ignored a recommendation to re-open an investigation into her son’s death.Kathleen Wardally has confirmed this week she will sue prison authorities after a report suggested her son was moved around jails to avoid inspectors, but said those involved in moving her son should be re-investigated.Christopher Wardally, who was 25 and from Streatham, had mental health problems and hanged himself in Wandsworth prison on June 12, 2009.He had spent a fortnight at Pentonville jail, where he tried to commit suicide, before being returned to Wandsworth days after an inspection finished.

READ MORE CLICK HERE

Naughty Santa!

2011-12-16T10:47:00.001-08:00

Prisoners Families Sentenced Too - By 'Jane'

2011-12-15T13:25:00.000-08:00

Hi PFV. I found you through my partner who is currently in prison. He sent me a page cutting from the prison newspaper, Inside Time. Our daughter is 3 years old and she will be 17 when she will be able to spend her first 'memorable' Christmas with her Dad. This is his first Christmas behind bars and according to him, he is not coping at the moment. His parents are elderly and I hate saying this, but I doubt any of them will be alive when he is released. I pray they are, but realistically we all know deep down it will be some kind of miracle. Life is too short isn't it? Damn right it is! Yet my partner threw his away when he decided to abuse valium and woke up in a police cell with a hefty charge sheet. Sometimes I am so annoyed with him that I ignore his prison phone calls and make excuses that I can't visit. It depends how I feel at the time. Some weeks are better than others because I feel like I'm serving a prison sentence too. His parents aren't aware that he is suffering depression at the moment. I do hold things back from them as to not worry them because they do not need stress in their life's at their age. Then I'm holding back from my partner that hia Dad is not in the best of health and is having to have a scan, so I really feel torn in both directions, trying to carry on as normal when quite clearly nothing is normal. I agree with so many of your bloggers that I wouldn't wish this crap on my worst enemy. When someone is sentenced to prison - their family is sentenced alongside them!

You Must Be Off Your Tree!

2011-12-15T10:09:00.001-08:00

Not a bad little stunt if you ask me!!!

Ben's Prison Blog

2011-12-15T08:00:00.000-08:00

For all the latest going's on with UK prisoner Ben. CLICK HERE and visit his blog! Ben

Britain's Longest Serving Santa

2011-12-15T03:28:00.000-08:00

A Shropshire grandfather could be Britain’s longest serving Father Christmas after handing out gifts for nearly half a century. Ray Hulse, 67, from Bridgnorth, has been playing Santa Claus since he was just 18-years-old – meaning he’s been spreading festive joy for 49 years. He created his first grotto at a simple Ford garage – with people coming from far and wide to offer Santa their Christmas wish list. “I started out there,” said Mr Hulse. “Then I did one in a scout hut and it just grew from there. At first, I had to borrow a costume. It soon took off and became so popular that I had my own costume made. “But it’s got better and better since then. I’d raise money for the Church of England’s waifs and strays, then I started to do it for other charities. “I wouldn’t like to guess how much I’ve raised down the years, but I imagine it must be around £64,000.

Hoping Prison Makes Him Realise - By Aonymous

2011-12-15T03:04:00.000-08:00

( Via PFV Facebook Page )

Hi. Some of your readers may not agree with what I am about to say. My partner is in prison and I hope that this Christmas will make him realise what he is missing. Yes I love him, but this is his third time in prison and I am getting sick and fed up of his actions. This Christmas however will be his first spent in prison as he got quite a long sentence this time around. I have struggled to get presents for our children and families this year, but some of the sad stories I'm reading in the news lately makes me appreciate what I've got and money really is the least of my worries. I'll make Christmas Day a good one for my kids, but I wish those who commit crime for money etc, realise what they are missing!

Hair Bar Stools

2011-12-13T13:19:00.000-08:00

Very unique indeed! Designed by Dejana Kabiljo

Meanies - By Prisoner Ben

2011-12-09T13:02:00.001-08:00

The wages prisoners receive for our labours are pathetically meagre and yet must bear the weight of many demands. One of these is maintaining contact with the outside world through letters and phone calls.
This situation prompts us to save pennies wherever we can and one way is to steam off stamp? from mail received and to re-use them. This is a fraud on our inept postal system that I have no great justification for save necessity.
The prison service, intent on maintaining our poverty, sinks so low as to actually scribble with a biro across stamps on incoming mail, preventing this recycling.
Is this the most menial job being done by a public servant known to Man???

BEN'S PRISON BLOG CLICK HERE

Prison Widow - December's Inside Time Column

2011-12-09T07:12:00.000-08:00

Well, it’s that time of year again, and folk are slowly but surely decorating their houses with festive lights and Christmas trees! My other half has made paper-chains from old back copies of, Inside Time, for the visitor’s centre, a miniature matchstick Christmas tree for the search area in prison, and a red nose for the drugs dog which he made out of a damaged ping pong ball from association. The lads on the wing put forward an idea that the sniffer dog should dress as Rudolph as to not frighten the kids during searches. A very thoughtful and compassionate idea indeed, but I’m quite positive it would take more than a red ping pong ball to screw up the scent of a Springer Spaniel! Nice try lads but I’ll mark that down as a fail!

Read more! CLICK HERE - Source INSIDE TIME

Hello Sushi

2011-12-04T12:49:00.000-08:00

Hello Kitty Sushi! Pretty clever if you ask me!

In Prison For Christmas - By Sonia D

2011-12-03T10:30:00.000-08:00

My son won't talk about Christmas or tell me what he would like for Christmas. His Dad is in prison and the other day I found a letter to Santa asking him if he can bring his Dad home. I am really trying my hardest by putting up the tree and decorations etc and basically trying to make things as normal as I can, but he is not interested. He has always loved Christmas and the other day when his Dad ( my partner ) rang from prison, I ended up slamming the phone down on him because of what he is putting our son through. His Dad didn't get a short sentence so we have a fair few Christmas's to get through without him, but I don't want our son feeling this way every year at Xmas. I know this is something me and my son have to sort out ourselves, but I would just like to say that there really isn't enough support at all for children affected by having a parent in prison.

( Sent via Facebook )

Is This Cute Or What?

2011-12-03T09:24:00.000-08:00

I reckon this is toooooo cute for words!

Just A Question - By Prisoner Ben

2011-12-01T04:18:00.001-08:00

A Question
Does anybody know of any research that focuses on the functioning and culture of Segregation Units in the UK?

Or does my present job as an orderly give me a chance to add something new to the literature?

BEN'S PRISON BLOG

Women Prisoners

2011-12-01T02:37:00.000-08:00

When a man goes to prison, there is often a woman at home who has to confront challenges she has not faced before. Members of a unique support group describe their experiences.

CLICK HERE to watch more! Source BBC

Home Detention Curfew ( HDC )

2011-11-30T14:20:00.000-08:00

Home Detention Curfew (HDC)

What is a Home Detention Curfew?http://www.offendersfamilieshelpline.org/index.php/hdc/

A Home Detention Curfew (HDC), or ‘tag’ as it is commonly known, is a scheme that allows certain offenders to be released from prison early subject to an electronically monitored curfew. Prisoners serving sentences of between three months and four years can be considered for the scheme which can grant early release between two weeks and 135 days earlier than the half way point of the sentence. HDC is a privilege, not a right, and despite a HDC date being automatically generated for the majority of prisoners, not all prisoners will be eligible. Certain offences automatically rule out the prospect of release under the scheme.

CLICK HERE for more info on HDC. Source OFFENDERS FAMILIES HELPLINE

China's Scariest Road

2011-11-29T11:55:00.001-08:00

There are some roads in this world which just look scary. If there was a list of such roads then the Avenue Towards Heaven (also known as the Big Gate Road) in Tianmenshan, in the Hunan province of China might well be very near the top. It goes from a staggering 655 feet below to 4,265 feet above sea level… It is also called the road of 99 turns – nine is a lucky number in China as it symbolizes that heaven has nine palaces. If the road is a little too scary for you, there is an alternative. A cable car goes from of Zhangjiajie City to the top of Tianmen Mountain.

Prison Visits & Help With Costs

2011-11-29T04:02:00.000-08:00

Hi, my daughter is stressing out because we may not be able to afford to see her Dad before Christmas. Our journey to the prison is just over 2 hours and it's quite a nightmare planning the travel when going via public transport. I am wondering if there is any charity that helps families with travel expenses? My daughter is getting a bit depressed and is worrying that she may not be able to see her Dad. Thanks in advance.

Comment: For further information on assisted prison visits, please go to:

INSIDE INFORMATION - ASSISTED PRISON VISITS UNIT ( UK only )