HMP Edinburgh’s Annual Christmas Gift Appeal Benefits Inmates’ Children

For the 39th consecutive year, HMP Edinburgh’s yearly Christmas gift appeal will provide benefits to hundreds of children whose fathers are incarcerated there. A prison chaplain initially established this initiative to allow inmates to give gifts to their children, particularly during periods when families might face financial difficulties. Donors primarily consist of church congregations, with some having contributed gifts since the appeal’s inception. Approximately 28 parishes throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians participate, and in the previous year, 328 children were recipients of presents. Colin O’Flaherty, a 66-year-old prison officer, has managed the appeal for the last 23 years. He informed BBC Scotland News, “It takes over my December,” adding, “But it’s well worth it because at the end of the day it’s children that benefit from it.” While Colin no longer witnesses the families’ reactions directly, in earlier years, he handled all the wrapping and packing with assistance from some inmates. He recounted, “I used to have really positive feedback from a lot of the prisoners, just thanking me for doing it and [saying] the difference it actually made for them.” He further explained, “They were worried about not being able to give their children presents and the families were worried because there was no money for presents for the children.” Colin anticipates that next year, marking the appeal’s 40th anniversary, might be his final year of involvement. Nevertheless, he has prepared a portfolio for his successor. He stated, “This will continue.” Deputy governor Mark Holloway described the appeal as a “fantastic idea” that alleviated stress for families. He also noted that it fostered a connection not only between the prison and the community but also between fathers and their visiting children. He remarked, “The joy on the faces of the children is something to behold, but also the look on a father’s face to watch their child unwrap a present is fantastic.” He continued, “When I think about my own children on Christmas Day, it’s one of the biggest pleasures I’ll get and to have the ability to recreate that in the prison is a fabulous opportunity.” He further commented, “We should remember that the separation between a father and child can be quite traumatic.” He concluded, “The ability to support families to stay connected will actually help rehabilitate people and make them more successful when they are returned back into the community.” Barnardo’s Scotland operates the prison’s adjacent visitor centre, aiming to provide a more typical experience for families visiting inmates. This facility enables children to engage more freely with their fathers and enjoy playtime in a less formal setting, distinct from the usual structured prison visit. Martin Crewe, the Director, stated, “Christmas can put stress on all families, but particularly for the families who are benefiting from this scheme with a loved one in prison.” He elaborated, “It’s particularly hard, both financially and emotionally.” He added, “What’s lovely about this scheme is that as we get to know the children we know what they like to play with so the gift they get can be tailored to the individual child and family.” He further remarked, “Of course, prisoners have done something wrong and are locked up for that reason but the family haven’t and, particularly at this time of year, we need to be forgiving of the family and the effect upon them and try and give all children a better Christmas.” Justice Secretary Angela Constance, during a visit to the visitor centre, commented, “This initiative is a great endeavour by the Scottish Prison Service and individual officers who go above and beyond the call of duty to make life a wee bit better, not just for people in custody but also their families.” She continued, “Christmas is a difficult time for the families and the children. “It’s in all our interests to support, where we can, good family contact and good family relationships.” The minister further stated that the initiative significantly benefited children and families throughout the Lothians. Constance remarked, “This was an initiative started by a prison chaplain 40 years ago and there’s been a small number of prison officers who have kept this initiative alive and I think it is absolutely commendable that officer Colin has been doing this for 23 years.” Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding their policy on external linking is available.