We’re thrilled to announce our latest project, which provides a supportive space for children with a family member in prison to come together and embark on a meaningful creative journey alongside a Kids’ Own associate artist and writer.

We are partnering with the Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) on this innovative project to offer children the opportunity to collaborate on creating a book that reflects their lives and experiences. Guided by Kids’ Own associate artist Maree Hensey and associate writer Mary Branley, the group will engage in a creative process that allows them to express themselves authentically. We are also delighted to be working with Bedford Row, a family support group for families affected by imprisonment, on this project.

Our primary goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment where children can freely express themselves through the creative arts. By coming together in a new group, supported by key workers, these children will have the opportunity to explore their experiences.

Additionally, the project aims to produce a child-led, child-authored book that gives voice to the experiences of children with a parent or family member in prison. This book will offer them a platform to share their stories with the world.

Through this project, we hope that children will have the chance to connect with peers who share similar experiences, fostering a sense of community and understanding. By participating in a creative arts process, they will have the opportunity to express themselves and to collaborate with each other and an artist and writer.

Furthermore, the creation of a child-authored book will not only provide a creative outlet for the participants but also serve as a valuable resource for raising awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by children with incarcerated family members. Their voices will be heard and their experiences acknowledged, helping to break down stigma and misconceptions surrounding this issue.

We are incredibly excited to embark on this journey with these children and their families, and with our partners Irish Penal Reform Trust and Bedford Row.

Stay tuned for updates on this inspiring project as we work together to amplify the voices of children in challenging circumstances.

We thank the Toy Show Appeal and Community Foundation Ireland for kindly funding this project.