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 lack of housing is creating a backlog for inmates who otherwise would be eligible for parole.
With even the prison staff in industries agreeing that our pay rates are ridiculous, how do things stay the same?
Wow, I won the caption comp for December… I’ve never won anything and the whole jail is congratulating me.
I'll never come back to this place, but I’ll always respect the time that I’ve spent in here, and I understand now how and why people return to this place.
I now live in hope that I can find peace within myself, and there is a faint light at the end of a very long tunnel.
I was 40 years old when I was incarcerated and I could barely run around the block.
Prison reflects you like a mirror, you regret every mistake in your life. Everything. And if you want, it brings you back on the right way.
I pretty much have to pick and choose who I ring because it costs way too much money to ring each of my kids.
Now about jail and what it does to you inside: you learn to suppress your feelings and show your anger or bravado. But what happens then to you? You forget how to love.
Before anything I am a human being. As I’ve learnt, this is quite important to remember.
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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