A LIMERICK community project is this spring celebrating its 25 year anniversary of helping those who have been imprisoned, or their families.
The Bedford Row Family Project works with people from all walks of life, but focuses on the theme of imprisonment.
Founded in 1999, the programme was the idea of Mercy Sisters and Franciscan Friars, to support families, and especially children, of people who are imprisoned.
The group’s main aim is to support families in addressing their issues and work with other groups in the interest of social inclusion.
Project Manager Alison Curtin joined the Bedford Row Family Project in 2016 and said: “As an organisation we are committed to listening to the experience of people affected by imprisonment and allowing that experience to shape the direction of the project.”
“We work proactively with family members of people in prison (and those who have been released) to assist them in making positive life choices with respect to their children. We aim to provide leadership and direction in design and implementation of programmes that work effectively with families affected by imprisonment and related matters.”
Director General of the Irish Prison Service Caron McCaffrey said: “Alison and the team at Bedford Row have done so much over the years to help us support those in custody maintain those all-important links between the prisoner and their family, particularly in Limerick with our female population.”
“There is no more important a link than the link between parent and child. The link between the Irish Prison Service and Bedford Row allows us to maintain and build upon those relationships for the betterment of the wider Limerick area,” Ms McCaffrey said.
To celebrate 25 years, Bedford Row Family Project will host special open days on April 25 and 26, and all are welcome to attend.
