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.
I feel where previous governments have failed is by not informing victims and the community about the role that parole serves to protect the community.
Each time I am released, there is a tightening of the orders or other orders that I have had to adhere to, whereby I feel less and less valued as a human being.
Just thought I’d send in some words of comfort to those having a hard time.
Included is a poem written by Michael and my honest response of encouragement. May it offer hope to anyone who challenges themselves to choose to heal toward being a quality human.
Hatred and distrust of others will only increase the number of offenders in society. And that will produce terrible outcomes for all involved.
There is no way to accurately make judgement on someone for what they have done or are doing at times in their lives.
I think lived experience support services are an important reintegration tool, as well as an important support for those who are still inside, knowing that there are positive experiences and paths for us post release.
You can compare it to a raging river that drags you along its muddy banks as it flows.
With all that constantly on my mind, I can’t help but wonder what can be done to help the mental health of our fellow inmates around Australia. So I’ve come up with an idea!
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.
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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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