Toybox, HMP Edniburgh

Play area for children during visiting times at Edniburgh Prison

About the project

The project was set up in January 1998, initially with just twelve volunteers, in the visits room of Edinburgh Prison to provide activities for the children visiting their relatives. One of the difficulties for prisoners at visiting time is that they are unable to have quality time with their visitors because the children are constantly present, often bored, restless and possibly noisy. For many children, visiting in prison can be a profoundly disturbing experience, particularly if no activities are provided for them. The project aims to improve this situation.

The play area itself is fairly small, carpeted and partially surrounded by a low wall, yet completely open to the visits room, so that children can come and go as they please. There are a variety of toys and games, books, a dolls’ house, a cash till (very popular), plastic food, tea sets, farm and zoo animals, jigsaws, Duplo, small cars and so on as well as lots of paper and crayons so that children can draw pictures and make cards for their parents, which they love doing especially at Christmas.

The major challenge for the group was to demonstrate that provision of activities for children visiting their male relatives in the prison could improve the quality of the experience for all concerned, thereby ensuring a good visit for the prisoner.

A major achievement for the group and the prison staff has been the establishment of a relationship of mutual understanding. Prison officers have come to value the presence of Toybox volunteers as the atmosphere in the visits room is much more relaxed and peaceful. Parents and children alike are also very positive about the play area.

Quotes

‘The atmosphere is so much calmer when you’re there’. Prison Officer

‘He loves coming here to play – there are no toys at home’. Parent

‘Oh, here’s one of the toy ladies. There’ll be toys out today’. Child

Contact details

For more information contact Nichole Wheaton, Attend Membership Services Manager on

Tel: 0207 307 2575

email: nichole.wheaton@attend.org.uk