Storm, from a prison in VIC
I have been in prison for over 13 years and I want to say that your newspaper is an amazing opportunity for all who have put the time in and it has been very well received throughout the Victorian Prison System.
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Feedback From Our Readers
Every day we receive letters from people in prison. Many share the impact of About Time on their lives. Readers have told us that they feel as if they have a voice for the very first time. Some talk about how the paper has helped them connect to others and lessen isolation. Many talk about the educative benefit of the paper, while others praise the newfound hope and sense of self-worth they feel reading a publication just for them. Here are all of their words.
Shea, from a prison in VIC
I am thankful for any and all social and creative outlets such as yourselves involved in the creation and distribution of your newspaper. They provide a link or window to another place, an opening for personal expression and a greater sense of community for those who choose to make use of the opportunities. Writing a book review for a peer newsletter that might only be read by a hundred or so inmates at one prison may not change the world, but having someone stop you in the yard to tell you that they were impressed with your writing is valuable and reinvigorating.
Lanie, from a prison in VIC
I love this newspaper and enjoy reading it from front to back and back to front. I really enjoy looking at the artworks. You published one of my artworks, DEEP OCEAN, so thank you. I am very proud of that artwork. I taught myself to do art as I was severely bullied and abused, mentally, and physically, growing up and until this very day and I find it is good escape for my mental health. It helps me copy with all the bullshit and bullying that goes on in this place, that I've called home for the past 9 years. I have a minimum of 6 years left to go and then hopefully I can leave this place behind me. I'm not sure where I will restart my life once I'm out, but I guess I still have time to sort that out lol. Well that's all I wanted to say so thank you and keep up the wonderful work.
Bryn, from a prison in QLD
To About Time,
Thank you for your newspaper. I look forward to reading it each month. Its great! I enjoyed it from the first time I read it last year. Its made me feel connected, seen & heard. When I first went to jail I felt really alone and your newspaper helped me so much. Someone – well lots of someones – got how I felt. They understood. Thank you for that. I've written this poem while incarcerated. I really hope you will publish it for me.
Keep up the hard work – we need you guys.
Rachel, from a prison in QLD
Wow, I won the caption comp for December... I've never won anything and the whole jail is congratulating me. Our jail was never told about your newspaper – but in November 2024 it just showed up and all 120 girls love it. So please, please keep it up. ... Thank you for the write up on pen pal programs – I've been in jail for four and a half years and always watch a show called Love After Lockup based on the USA pen pal project ... Anyway guys, thank you for your newspaper. We eagerly await it every month here.
Mark, from a prison in VIC
Congratulations on the launch of About Time. I can only imagine how many obstacles you have navigated to successfully sail the product into Australia's prisons, and from where I sit it was very warmly received by the inmates, security and medical staff that I share time with. Well done, and thank you for delivering us something we didn't know we needed until we received it.
David, from a prison in NSW
This paper deserves all the support it can get. A way for prisoners to express their honest stories and gifts. A real way to heal and rehabilitate encouraging others to do the same.
Jesse, from a prison in NSW
I've been following your paper and I love it. I find it very cool and entertaining.
Asad, from a prison in QLD
I can't tell you how glad I was to see this paper come into my unit, a sign that times can and always will change the way we live, especially in prison.
Zayne, from a prison in VIC
I read your paper the night previous, and a part of me that previously was dead or dying suddenly felt alive and connected to others with similar struggles and trauma … So I just want to say thanks for your newsletter/prison paper.
Jason, from a prison in the NT
It was great to see prisoners being spoken of in a constructive and positive way, as I'm sure you're aware that isn't the norm in Australia. I look forward to hearing back from you and hopefully reading your newspaper.
Mark, formerly incarcerated in VIC
About Time has been a lifeline - when I was inside, it gave me a sense of purpose and feelings of camaraderie. The stories were really powerful. I have a chronic illness and suffer from intense pain, and writing for About Time has given me something to focus on and prevents me from going to dark places. Without About Time I don't know where I would be.
Jessica, from a prison in TAS
Some of the stories, songs, poems etc exactly reflect feelings or situations I and others at this prison experience. I love this publication. Thank you!
Thomas, from a prison in QLD
Firstly, I thank you and your personnel for the production of About Time. I find it most informative and enlightening.
Adrianna, donor
Thank you for everything you do. An amazing and important initiative that has to keep existing.
Michael, from a prison in NSW
Thank you for taking time to read my letter and I hope to hear your response.
Subscriber
Love your work. I work in AOD and love bringing in your newspaper. The people who use the service look forward to its arrival and we always end up having great chats whilst reading through the paper together.
Thea, donor
Absolutely loving your work, as a criminal defence lawyer it's so refreshing to see people curious and caring about prisoners.
Garth, from a prison in QLD
I really liked the Bits & Pieces section – more of that would be great.
Could you please include more two-person games or activities we can do in our cells when locked in?
Is there any possibility of starting a pen pal system, where people can write in and be connected with others?
I'd love to see articles on how to write better – anything to help us improve.
Thanks for the paper – it's something a lot of us look forward to.
