Family and Friends Forum

In few days my son would have served 6 months out of his one year prison sentence. He has lost his job before going to prison and he'll have a criminal record for few years when he comes out. He knows he's made a huge mistake affecting his life and he was absolutely broken when he was charged, he admitted his crime to the police. 8 months later he was sentenced to one year imprisonment. He was taken away after his court case. It left me confused, I didn't know much about the criminal justice system and the prison system. I'm his mum and I love my son dearly, I financially supported him whilst in prison as extra food is expensive and telephone calls aren't cheap either when calling mobile phones. I learnt ways to stay in touch through letters, phone calls and emails. I will support him when he comes out because his life has been turned upside down at the age of 25 for the mistake he has made and I hope he will be okay when he comes out. I'm sure he'll need some counselling to readjust as he suffered depression, anxiety and panic attacks. besides the Samaritans or Lucy Faithfull, if anyone can think of some inner London support organisations for young men leaving prisons i'd really appreciate any info. Thank you.

There's no price to freedom and good health really! Prison has not been easy on his mental health when you are being told when to sleep, when to eat, when the lights go off and sharing your space with loud, violent people or unsavoury characters for months must be tough. Just wanted to share with you that I am so happy that he can move on, he paid for his crime and he can become a better young man.

Dear Confused&Worried,

This was my 1st time posting and you are the first person to write back to me. Thank you so much. Yessss my son is coming home for Xmas and since he spent his birthday in prison, we will have a lot to celebrate. Thank you so much for the great info, we will definitely contact this great counselling Charity.

Hello to all of you who have sent me a reply,

Thank you all for your kind and supportive replies, it is so comforting to read you.

Some of you will celebrate the festive season without your loved ones but I will be thinking about you all hoping you will celebrate their return someday soon. This ordeal was the most difficult thing we had to go through so far in our lives. Honestly, what a year it has been! So much emotions and lies to protect my son from people asking where he had gone. I had to say that he went to work abroad and I hate lying but you have to protect your loved ones. I taught myself mindfulness and self-compassion to cope during this difficult time and thanks to the Samaritans who listened to me pouring my heart and heard my tears running down my cheeks. It has been horrific to go through this process with my son. And it's not over yet as they will now monitor his internet use, his phone and laptop. He was once curious and curiosity killed the cat. He is not a P in my eyes, I know him. He really regrets his actions at the time and he will never do it again, he never ever want to go to prison again, it was a traumatic experience for him. He is now looking forwards to a new life. Luckily for my son, his father has been very supportive even tough we have separated years ago. I watched my son go through panick attacks and PTSD. I would have never imagine something of that sort could happen to us and I believe he will be just fine with LOVE and SUPPORT.

Thank you all (wonderful people) going through the same troubles as us. xxx