Turning point?!

Today, my youngest and I visited Hubby / his Dad for the first time since he moved to Cat D open prison.

Wow, what a difference.

We had to set off early this morning to make the journey of over 100 miles.

I was dreading it to be honest, there and back in a day. The journey was much more enjoyable than I anticipated.

Once we got the boring motorway bit out of the way, it was actually lovely and scenic. The sun was shining too which made all the difference.

Once we arrived, in plenty of time, we  went to the visitors centre to check in. It was quick and painless. No scanner, no sniffer dog and no search. If you have ever visited a prison yourself, you will know that you’re made to feel like a criminal yourself… Even asked the question, has anyone asked you to bring anything in? Thankfully none of that today.

We were taken over to the visitors hall. Saw hubby coming back from the dinner hall as we got there. We were early and they didn’t questions it. When I booked they told me visiting is between 10.30am and 4.30pm and I just tell them how long we want to go for.

It was much more relaxed for my Son and I. The friendliness of the staff was very refreshing and put us both at esse immediately.

When Hubby came in, wow he looked different to when we last saw him in Cat C, 3 weeks ago. He had colour in his cheeks again. After spending just 20/30 minutes outside each day for the past 9 months, he had looked so pale.

His mental health has improved ten fold. I know he had committed a crime and this is his punishment. However, the impact of 22/23 hours of lock up per day is conjusive to mental ill health. Absolutely disgrace that Covid is still being used as an excuse for this. I write this blog as I watch a Football match final in a packed stadium that holds over 81,000. Yet prisoners are caged like animals all day long.

We were told to sit in the family area which is set back from the main visiting area. we could sit together as a family. No table in between, hubby didn’t have to wear a silly bib thing and nobody was watching us.

There was a seperate room full to the brim of toys, books, jigsaws, boardgames and even a small TV with a WiFi and playstation.

Table service for the home cooked food, drinks, crisps, cakes etc available too.

The staff were very welcoming and chatty. The whole vibe was very chilled and relaxing.

My Husband had many stories to tell about what’s been happening there.

He has been going to groups and has just started working on the farm. He is able to mingle and socialise with others again, eating meals with others as opposed to alone in his cell.

Today I just tried to take it in, us together as a family again. I watched my Son, with his Dad and it reminded me of why I am going through this heartache, to get my little family back together again.

So, the first visit was a real success. The next we are going to stay over and visit half days both days as many do. Next step will be my husband being able to meet us half way and eventually visit us.

The distance is difficult but it’s worth it for far more relaxed visits, also to see my husband start to rebuild his dignity again and find his purpose again.