Bereavement Behind Bars.

Prison Chaplaincy with ‘On The Wing’…

Losing a loved one is hard at any time, but for someone in prison it is particularly difficult. The prisoner is cut off from normal family contact and is unable to “be there” for them or join with them in their grief.

The prison chaplaincy team seek to come alongside inmates in times of bereavement, to offer spiritual ministry and practical support. We help facilitate hospital visits for those whose family members are reaching “end of life” and we also assist in arranging for the prisoners to attend funerals.

However, prisoners are only permitted to attend these occasions if the person concerned is an immediate family member and even then only at the discretion of the prison governor as there are many security issues and potential risks to be taken into consideration. They will, of course be in handcuffs and escorted by a prison officer.

Part of the prison chaplaincy role is to contact the hospitals, medical professionals and funeral directors concerned, in order to ascertain whether the situation is genuine then submit the information to the prison security department for the prisoner's visit to be considered.

We also provide opportunities for those who cannot make such visits, to come to the chapel and light a candle in memory of the one they have lost. We pray with them, share from the Scriptures and have a chat over coffee in order to help the prisoner through their difficult time of bereavement.

We know that people end up in prison for good reason and often have no one to blame but themselves, but there is always room for compassion in times of such need.

Nick Stirling