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.
I just saw you on ABC News talking about a newspaper for prisoners. I didn’t see the entire interview so I was left wondering a few things.
Our pay each week has been kept minimum for quite some time (years) despite prisoners raising their voice, there’s nothing being done about it.
As a person that has never been on the wrong side of the law, you may automatically believe that "guilty until proven innocent" is a fact of the justice system.
Have you ever been accused of being “nuts”? Have they told you that you are “crazy”? That you need to “get help” – meaning you need to see a psychiatrist?
I stumbled across Buddhist meditation in 2017 where I met Hojun, the Buddhist chaplain/monk who led the meditation and spiritual discussion. Since then, thanks to Hojun, I feel I have changed mentally and spiritually in nearly every way.
I was due for parole in March, and my parole is approved but there is no housing for me to go to.
Our questions, our fears, our thoughts are like demands, tormenting our souls, afraid to face them.
I only have a short stint of a few months, but like most find myself forced to become distant from my family, mainly due to unaffordable call rates.
My name is Steve. I have done 10 years prison time in Long Bay, Grafton, Parramatta, Goulburn, Maitland, Cessnock, Rockhampton, Arthur Gorrie, Borallan, Glen Innes and Silver Water. I got out in 2003 and have remained out ever since.
After being transferred to a minimum security prison with a fully equipped ceramic studio, I was very excited to have the opportunity, and the time, to challenge my skills and creativity.
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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