“The Ladies came in so excited! Choosing the beads and materials they needed to make gifts for their children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, they sat down and started,” said our team.
“The room went very quiet, with everyone concentrating on what they were making. They laughed at themselves because of this and then it was back to the quiet.
“They proudly showed each other what they made and who it was for, talking very fondly of the children they missed and loved.
“Knowing I was contacting families and posting their gifts made them all very happy.”
These sessions give parents in custody the chance to give back and show their children how much they care.
Children cherish these gifts and it gives them something special to hold, so they have a ‘piece of mum’ at home with them on Christmas Day.
This helps children to feel connected, loved and secure, even when apart, and improves their wellbeing.
“It was a lovely day. All the ladies were very helpful to each other and me, cleaning up at the end and putting the room back.”
The mothers shared how grateful they were for these sessions, saying:
“Doing craft with Tanya [SHINE for Kids facilitator] was amazing and very therapeutic – I thoroughly enjoyed it.”
“[The session was] very calming and relaxing.”
“[Tanya is a] great facilitator.”
And it’s not only the mums who left on a high note.
Our team said, “I love my job and I was able to see one of the families at visits that weekend and make them happy by personally giving them the craft.”
11-year-old David* has had a really tough start in life, with both parents in and out of custody and very little contact with them. David’s experiences have led to emotional regulation […]
This is the story of how Mike*, an Aboriginal dad in custody, turned from active program participant to respected leader and mentor to other dads going through what he has. In […]
For three little boys and their dad in custody, staying connected is key to their wellbeing, and dads aim to make a new life for himself when he’s released. Mark* (8), […]