HMP Addiewell Family Fun Day
On Saturday 13th July HMP Addiewell had a Family Fun Day for prisoners and families, many of whom attend the prison’s “Family Bonding Visits”. The day could not have been more perfect; the sun was shining, the skies were bright blue and for this day, all was right with the world. The event was expertly organised by the Addiewell staff, many of them giving up their own time to make for a successful day. The theme was “Highland Games” and everyone from the Families Outside Visitor’s Centre team, prison staff, prisoners and their families got into the spirit by wearing tartan attire. There was a huge array of activities ranging from a bouncy castle, face painting, kilt making and an adventure playground. And games would not be games without the Sack Race, Toss The Caber, Shot Putt, Beat The Goalie and the Wet Sponge Challenge.
Our very own Families Outside Visitor’s Centre Team got creative, devising a competition whereby the children attending would make a model of a bagpiper. There were lots of great entries from the children and a few adults who couldn’t resist displaying their creative sides. There was also a piper and a drummer for the day who created an amazing authentic atmosphere and really set the scene.
Lunch was provided and it did not disappoint, again a lot of effort went into the “spread”. The children had fantastic fun and there was great interaction with the children and their fathers. This day was an absolute credit to the Addiewell Team and provided a means for the families to share proper family time and a proper family experience. It allowed the fathers to spend time with their children in a “normal” way and it was such a positive experience.
The feedback from visitors and children was great. When speaking with the families they said that they were so grateful for the opportunity to have a proper family day. Our staff who took part would also like to take this opportunity to say that it was a privilege to have been involved.
We look forward to the next one……
