Launch of new activity books for children visiting prison

Two activity books and fun-to-follow maps have been developed and are available for families visiting each of the prisons in Northern Ireland.

Parenting Matters Manager Deirdre Sloan said:

“Making a visit to prison can be very intimidating. It can also be a lengthy process and these new resources give children, 8 years and under, engaging activities to help occupy them.”

“We have also created booklets for 8-18 year olds which parents can also become involved with, with the aim of creating opportunities for meaningful discussion.”

The books and maps were developed as a result of a Winston Churchill Travel Fellowship awarded to Bronagh Malcomson one of Barnardo’s Parenting Matters staff in 2016. Bronagh visited a number of prisons across Europe to look at areas of good practice for children and families. She saw similar books and maps being used at a prison in the Netherlands and permission was gained to adapt them for use in NI.

David Kennedy, Governor of Maghaberry Prison said: “Maghaberry Prison is helping to restore and rebuild relationships between many fathers in prison and their families. By challenging and supporting those people in our care, in new and innovative ways, we can show them a better road to take when they are released.”

He added: “We have already received very positive feedback from the children and families using the Barnardo’s activity books at Maghaberry and from some of the social work staff. Visits are hugely positive for all those taking part and these activities are something which add to the family focus we are supporting and developing in partnership with organisations such as Barnardo’s.”

The activity books are currently available for all children and young people visiting a parent or relative in prison and are available from prison staff at all NI Prison Service visits or any of the Barnardo’s workers.

Pictured are Governor Maghaberry Prison David Kennedy and Barnardo's NI Parenting Matters Service Manager Deirdre Sloan.