THE Island branch of the Mothers’ Union is appealing for good condition children’s books for use by prisoners at Jurby and their children.
The Mothers’ Union Big Book Appeal is also seeking cash donations for duplicate books to be bought.
Mothers’ Union development officer Caroline Salmon said: "We’re looking for good condition books suitable for all ages from infants to teenagers to start a children’s library at the prison.
"The idea is to have a pair of books so that the prisoner parent and their child can read it together.
"They can either read it together at visiting time or, particularly for older children, take a copy each and read it later.
"If people donate one book then the plan is to use donated money to purchase a second copy, although we hope we may get duplicate gifts of popular books.
"The idea for the book scheme resulted from a visit in March from Hazel Charlton, of the Worcester diocese of Mothers’ Union.
"It runs successfully in other places and is something that our members here are very keen to establish. It is a fact that if prisoners are in strong relationships, it is one factor that can help prevent reoffending when they are released.
"It’s also important to us to recognise that the children of prisoners have not committed a crime but they are also serving a sentence.
"We hope this reading scheme will improve parental relationships. Reading a good book can lead to discussions on a wide range of subjects."
The Island branch of the Mothers’ Union has 37 volunteers who assist at the prison visitors' room during weekend family visits at Isle of Man Prison in Jurby. They hope to start book sharing between prisoners and their children from December, following the Big Book Appeal.
Prison governor Alison Gomme said: "I am pleased and grateful for the work of Mothers’ Union in the prison.
"Volunteers provide crèche facilities for children in the visiting room and this great initiative is a development of that relationship.
"I hope the appeal is successful and look forward to the shared reading scheme getting underway in December."
To arrange delivery/collection of books contact Caroline at: mu.iom.dev@gmail.com or ring (07624) 361680.
Alternatively, donations can be sent to The Treasurer,c/o 15 Hillcrest Grove, Onchan, IM3 3HZ, cheques should be made payable to: Mothers' Union Diocese Sodor and Man.
