News that isn't controversial, disruptive or alienating . . . news that will bring us together, something to celebrate and endorse?
With all that's been going on over the past few weeks, these items could easily have escaped your attention.
So, to restore your faith in humanity, let me share them with you.
The news in question relates, rather unexpectedly, to the country's prisons.
Did you know that, in this country alone, over two hundred thousand children have a parent sent to prison every year?
It's a sobering thought, and the effect on each child can well be imagined . . . these children proving three times more likely than their peers to fall into anti-social behaviour. What's more, over fifty per cent of boys who have a father in prison will, unsurprisingly, go on to offend themselves.
So, what's been happening to help correct this disturbing trend? First of all, a prison in North Somerset had decided to take serious action. A new wing has been added which is used exclusively for family visits. This has become a place where the prisoner can respond intimately to the needs of his children . . . where time can be spent playing, cuddling, or helping with homework. What's more, if a prisoner wants to learn more about his child's progress at school, teachers are being encouraged to visit the parent in prison.
The outcome?
To date, the children concerned have reacted with considerable positivity. Most of them now feel more comfortable at discussing their parent's situation. The sense of stigma has eased, and the parent in prison continues to play an important and active role in their lives.
Nor is the prison in North Somerset alone in recognising the need for improved prisoner/child relationships.
In 2003, Sharon Berry, a writer and prison visitor, set up a charity called 'Storybook Dads' (later to be joined by 'Storybook Mums') which, at that time, operated from Dartmoor prison.
Now, sixteen years later, a hundred prisons are involved in her scheme.
And what do they do? They encourage prisoners to make audio recordings of stories, stories which can then be listened to and enjoyed by their children
Not only do these recordings provide an invaluable link between the prisoners and their families, but the act of making the recording offers the prisoner an occupation that is both positive and creative.
It's an activity for which they receive the charity's guidance and support, something to be valued in the often hostile environment of prison life.And the outcome for the prisoners?
Those collaborating in this scheme have shown a markedly diminished tendency to re-offend, whilst family relationships have been sustained and broadened.
So, please, whatever the news this week, whatever the turbulence, discord and divisions . . . just remember that in some prisons, at least, life is actually becoming better!
