My upbringing was very dysfunctional; at the age of 10 I found drink and drugs. I’m a person who has spent 19 years of my life in prison – Pact support gave me hope, not only to stay out of prison but to help me find meaning in my life. It helped me when I had no food, no travel and no job. The mentoring service has built my self-confidence, has given me a life worth leading and given me a future.
PACT – HMP Wandsworth
At the age of 45, David had spent almost half his life in prison. With no support network, he was anxious about falling back into old habits. He met with a Pact worker whilst in prison who set him up with a group of volunteer mentors, motivated by their faith, who could offer him practical and emotional support for the first crucial months after release. This gave David immense hope, helped him find his feet, resettle back into the community and build a life. Thousands of men like David leave prison every day, many of whom are homeless with no support network. They are often some of the most marginalised people in society and yet most in need of hope for a fresh start. Without support, men like David may not have the chance to get back on the right road.
On 8 October this year we mark Prisoners’ Sunday, the national day of prayer and action for prisoners and their dependants. Our theme, ‘We press on – together – in hope’, recognises the vital role we all play in coming together as a Catholic community, working to bring light and a fresh start to people affected by imprisonment. We ask you to put your faith into action and help us to support more people like David.
A resource pack will be sent to every parish priest across England and Wales with more information. Please encourage your celebrant to make use of the resources to mark the day. Additional resources such as children’s activities and liturgy and discussion group topics will be available on Pact’s website from early September. If you would like to get involved or host a talk on Pact’s work in your community please get in touch with Naomi on the details below.
020 7735 9535