ISSUE NO. 19
February 2026
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Letters

You Are Not a Number

By
Rhiannon

Rhiannon writes from NSW.

Willy Pleasance

To anyone reading this inside,

I don’t know your name, your story, or the road that brought you here but I do know this: you matter. Right now. Exactly as you are.

Some days inside are heavier than others. Time drags. Walls feel closer. The noise gets louder, or the silence does. On those days, I hope you remember this: you are not forgotten, even when it feels like the world has gone quiet.

You are more than a number.

More than your worst mistake.

More than the version of yourself you’re still trying to understand.

There are people out here who see you as human, who believe growth is real, change is possible, and that hearts don’t stop beating just because doors are locked.

You are still worthy of kindness, laughter, and moments that make you smile, even if they come in small pieces right now.

If today is rough, take it one breath at a time. If you’re tired, rest where you can. If you’re angry, know it doesn’t make you broken. If you’re hurting, it doesn’t make you weak. Surviving takes strength and you’ve already proven you have it.

One day this chapter will be behind you. It won’t define your whole story. The future is still listening, still waiting for the person you’re becoming.

Until then, please remember this: you are loved more than you realise, even by people you haven’t met yet. And someone, somewhere, is wishing you peace tonight.

Keep going.

You’re not alone,

We see you.

To anyone reading this inside,

I don’t know your name, your story, or the road that brought you here but I do know this: you matter. Right now. Exactly as you are.

Some days inside are heavier than others. Time drags. Walls feel closer. The noise gets louder, or the silence does. On those days, I hope you remember this: you are not forgotten, even when it feels like the world has gone quiet.

You are more than a number.

More than your worst mistake.

More than the version of yourself you’re still trying to understand.

There are people out here who see you as human, who believe growth is real, change is possible, and that hearts don’t stop beating just because doors are locked.

You are still worthy of kindness, laughter, and moments that make you smile, even if they come in small pieces right now.

If today is rough, take it one breath at a time. If you’re tired, rest where you can. If you’re angry, know it doesn’t make you broken. If you’re hurting, it doesn’t make you weak. Surviving takes strength and you’ve already proven you have it.

One day this chapter will be behind you. It won’t define your whole story. The future is still listening, still waiting for the person you’re becoming.

Until then, please remember this: you are loved more than you realise, even by people you haven’t met yet. And someone, somewhere, is wishing you peace tonight.

Keep going.

You’re not alone,

We see you.

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Welcome to About Time

About Time is the national newspaper for Australian prisons and detention facilities

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