Appeal to help women prisoners
Pants, bags, toiletries and towels needed
An annual appeal in support of female prisoners which organisers reckon has the potential to “transform someone’s life”, has broadened its scope.
Kirkmichael Session House is once again acting as a drop-off point for the personal packs project set up by the Mothers’ Union.
As part of the initiative, donated underwear is among the items given to women who have been convicted of a crime and sent to prison straight from court wearing only what they stand up in.
Now known as ‘Pants for Prisoners and Handbags of Hope’, the 2020 version included an appeal for handbags for the first time and, this year, organisers have extended the scheme to include a request for towels.
Ballintuim’s Jean McPhersonRichardson is a representative of the Mothers’ Union in Scotland.
She said: “Every item will make a difference to the prisoner who receives something, either pants when on remand or bags to use to put their belongings in as they leave – rather than having to use a black plastic bag, which is very demeaning.
“All these help to restore the dignity and self-worth of the prisoners as they start to rebuild their lives again.”
Jean continued: “Talking of worth and self-esteem, there is now another way that released prisoners can be helped.
“It came to light quite by chance when one girl was released into homeless accommodation that apparently towels are not provided, so she had to use hand towels to dry herself when she had taken a shower.
“The prison officers asked if Mothers’ Union members and their friends could donate any used towels which were still in good condition.
“They asked for bath towels ideally but, actually, any size would be useful so these have now been added to our list.”
Jean went on to thank Kirkmichael residents and those in the surrounding area for supporting the appeal in previous years.
Reflecting on the donations received in 2020, she went on: “I’d like to thank all the people who supported ‘Pants for Prisoners’ and ‘Handbags of Hope’, not just in Kirkmichael but also the wider glens.
“There were over 30 pairs of pants and 70 bags donated – which was amazing.
“It was the first time we had requested bags, following comments from prison officers, and we certainly had all shapes, sorts and sizes handed in.
“We also had some purses, washbags and backpacks, all of which have been gratefully received.
“And, together with some donated by the Cally Crafters last year [in 2019], we have been able to donate more than 100 bags.
“So once again thank you so much to everyone who has donated and helped to transform someone’s life.”
Jean concluded: “During the unsettling time of the pandemic, we have been asked by prison staff to remember both them and the prisoners as they cannot have any visitors.
“Apparently this situation is creating much upset, loneliness and heartbreak.
“It will make such a difference to them if people could spare a thought or prayer for them and I will get the message back to them to know that they have not been forgotten.”
Donations of packets of new pants, of any size – as well as new or used handbags and bath towels – are being gathered by Kirkmichael Session House throughout January and February this year.
To arrange collection, send an email to Petrina Menzies via kirkmichaelsh@btconnect.com