This morning my 10 year old and I have been for breakfast with Santa.
We met with staff and other family from Children Heard and seen who support families affected by parental imprisonment.
It was a really lovely morning. The children were made to feel so special. One of the children’s fathers even turned up as a surprise to the children as he was out on license for the first time. That was very emotional.
I spoke to an amazing young lady who’s father is recently out after 6 year. She has processed the trauma so well and understands how it affected her and her siblings different. A level of emotional intelligence many adults fail to get to.
I have felt so much shame and judgement since my Husband was arrested and more so since he went to prison.
To be honest I don’t think I will ever feel comfortable to share his offence with other families unless I already know they are in a very similar position to me.
However, one of the staff really helped me when she said that we are ‘going through the same storm in different boats.’
Social care fail families like ours.
The ‘system’ doesn’t currently recognise us as any sort of victim despite the trauma that children and partners go through.
So I have an amazing amount of appreciation for children heard and seen staff for their non judgmental support.
When many of us have lost our other support networks, it means so much.
The staff I have met so far are extremely passionate about helping families like ours and helping us to get the support we deserve.
Thank you so much Children heard and seen. You’re all amazing 🙏🙏🙏💖💖💖
After the knock 