A Message from the Executive Director of Prison Fellowship Scotland, John Nonhebel:

On Saturday I had the privilege of attending the Christmas party that we support through our Angel tree project which was organised by the Cyrenians at HMP Addiewell. As I arrived at the prison reception there was an excited buzz among the families waiting to be let in. There were 33 families and more than 50 children, many dressed up in Christmas outfits, excitedly waiting to see their dads. After the security check the families were let into the large visit hall where they were met by their dads and every child was given a present, these included a Snuggle to remind them of the hugs they would get from their dads. They then had two hours to do games and crafts together as a family and enjoy the food put on by the prison. Christmas is especially hard when you have a family member in prison, and it was great to see families enjoying the time together and huge credit to the Cyrenians for putting on such a great event. But as I spent time chatting with families and staff, I was left with very mixed emotions about what I had been part of. The party was great, and it is great that as Prison Fellowship we can pay a small part in supporting it, but my hope and prayer is that these dads will soon be out of prison and playing a full part in their children’s lives and making choices to be away from anything that could put them back in prison.

If you still want to support our Angel Tree project you can help make Christmas a bit brighter this year for the families of those in prison. You give to this project here:

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