Delayed Grief

Multiple bereavements led to drug use.

I was speaking recently with one of the prisoners attending our “Living With Loss” course at HMP Buckley Hall in Rochdale. The conversation gave me further insight into how and why some offenders end up in prison, and a greater understanding of the circumstances in which people can get caught up.

This poor man had experienced multiple bereavements but had been so focussed upon supporting his children and other family members and being “strong” for them, that he had not really been able to grieve himself. He believed that it was keeping his own pain bottled up that eventually led him to turn to drugs. Subsequently it was through drug offences and uncharacteristic behaviour that he fell foul of the law and ended up in prison. He was now attending the course in an attempt to deal with the pain of his own grief.

Having spoken at length with him I have been reminded that there are many reasons why people commit offences and they too can sometimes be seen as victims in need of help. I pray that as he continues with the course he will find healing and ultimately come to know Christ as his Saviour.