About Time dedicates many of its pages to publishing the letters of people in prison, as well as from their family and friends.
This is the centrepiece of the paper: a platform for people to share their experiences and learn from each other.
I write to extend feedback – re: your monthly paper. I must say that it was with more than the usual measuring spoon of interest that most here @ MRC welcomed its arrival.
12 months into being remanded in custody. I’m still yet to be sentenced – hence I can’t see the end at all.
There is a line so many of us here have heard over and over again from inmates going home: “I’ll write to you and put my number on when I get out.” And you never hear from them again.
In prison, silence isn’t always golden. It’s just another form of the unknown, another form of loss of control, another avenue for the negative thoughts to take.
So I have been doing what I have always loved doing – art and cooking. Sharing with inmates what I can make even with the simplest of ingredients. Sometimes that’s all it takes. The simple things in life mean so much more.
I daresay that for most people in this day and age, physical letters have become quite the antiquated method of communication. I know that prior to my own incarceration, it was definitely true of myself.
I am Aidan. I am 30, and this is my 12th time on remand since 2019.
My name is Delphine. I’m a proud Aboriginal woman. I heard about About Time from a friend I’ve known for a very long time. I just want to share my story about how I was saved by faith.
Here is some feedback for About Time – it’s absolutely positive! From my first introduction to issue 2 or 3 (at BNCC) I looked forward to the next edition. Arriving at NCC I followed up with an officer who ensured copies were available to us.
I want to write to you regarding seized stamps and envelopes. At times, if we happen to be sick and taken to hospital, everything of ours is put into boxes and taken away until the time we return. Then on our return we are strip searched and our possessions are taken out and checked.
My best jail advice is: don’t get involved in the jail politics or in other people’s business, show respect to get respect and do your own jail.
It’s Friday the 13th. I am already in prison so probs won’t fall under the bad luck banner. Lolz.
The real reason that I'm writing is not to whinge about our calls or our pay per week, it is about the lack of pen-pal services to give prisoners like myself connection and community whilst incarcerated.
Whilst I appreciate that this issue only affects 0.01% of the prison population, I do find it hard to believe that this issue hasn’t been highlighted previously.
I agree that we should all be held accountable when it comes to our past actions, but what about the system? Is it being held accountable too?
This is the continuous “therapy” I receive from those considered on the “bottom.” Never doubt your goodness.
One thing to keep in mind (and is also relevant) is the unemployment or hygiene wages ($15 approximately).
We want to know why we get treated differently in jail than on the outside.
All we are asking for is a basic improvement to our living conditions and a definite morale booster for deserving inmates.
And from that day on, my very first day, I wasn’t alone – I had 27 brothers and we all looked out for each other.
Sometimes we take things for granted, like our freedom. I've only been in prison a short time compared to some, but I still feel the pinch.
I wonder how it will be when we are released to the outside world, which has not stopped since we have been here.
Help keep the momentum going. All donations are tax deductible and will be vital in providing an essential resource for people in prison and their loved ones.
Help us get About Time off the ground. All donations are tax deductible and will be vital in providing an essential resource for people in prison and their loved ones.
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