APF: Prison can be child’s play tomorrow

Tomorrow, Wednesday 1 August, prisons across England will join in Playday, the annual celebration of children’s rights to play. Action for Prisoners’ Families is working in partnership with Play England in supporting Playday in Prison, an innovative scheme designed to help strengthen family ties and to help prisoners’ children, the innocent victims of the trauma of imprisonment and separation, play and bond with their parents.

Children visiting many prisons from tomorrow will get the opportunity to play with their mums, dads, grandparents, siblings and other relatives in a series of events and family days that will run throughout this month. Families will be able to play games together, do some face painting, read, cook, play music and more.

Over 150,000 children lose a parent to imprisonment each year. These children face emotional and psychological problems, stigma and failure at school. For them, a chance to play simple games with their mum or dad is a rare treat.

Maintaining strong family ties has been shown to reduce reoffending, yet many prisoners lose contact with their families while they are inside.

Sarah Salmon, Action for Prisoners’ Families Assistant Director, says: “Prison visits can be a difficult time for both parents and children. Children may be tired and grumpy after long and difficult journeys and may feel shy or awkward around their imprisoned parent. Play is a great way of breaking down barriers and helping families connect. It also enables parents to learn about their child’s development and help them discover new skills. We are delighted by the encouragement and support the Prison Service has given to the Playday initiative”.

Notes for Editors:
Action for Prisoners' Families is the national organisation representing prisoners' families and those who support them. www.prisonersfamilies.org.uk
Playday is an annual celebration of children’s right to play - a national campaign – now in its 20th year – where thousands of children and young people get out and play at locally organised events. Playday is coordinated nationally by Play England, working in partnership with Play Wales, Play Scotland and Playboard Northern Ireland and a national steering group. www.playday.org.uk

Playday is on August 1st and this year’s theme is Play on the Streets. Obviouslyplaying in the street is not an option for prison events, but traditional play can be a feature of family days in jail. And APF is working in partnership with Playday to encourage families to play together on family visits.