Ramadan Prisoner Welfare Pack deliveries were split up into 3 days. The first day the team delivered packs to HMP Featherstone, HMP Oakwood, HMP/YOI Brinsford, HMP Stafford and then onto HMP/YOI Swinfen Hall. On the second day the team delivered the packs to YOI Stoke Heath. We were able to go inside and discuss the work that we do, why we started this project to 7 young males, moreover we explained how they could further support our project and the types of support they would require upon release. The final day of the RPWP delivery was to HMP Birmingham. We provided them with dates, prayer mats, Qurans, Eid cards and attar for Eid. Thank you to U.K.I.M Sparkbrook Islamic Centre & Masjid for donating 250 prayer mats and Qurans. Also thank you to B.C Blinds for providing us with a van and helping us to deliver the items.
Similarly, for Eid-ul-Adha we also supplied HMP Birmingham with food packs for each Muslim prisoner. Each pack contained a samosa, katlama piece and either a sheesh kebab roll or other pastry. This was possible through donations given to us for this means.
To celebrate Eid the team at Himaya Haven also did an Eid food delivery to HMP/YOI Swinfen Hall and Stoke Heath. Swinfen Hall delivery was funded by one of our Director’s, and Stoke Heath was funded by one woman who wanted to provide specific food for Eid. Each small box containing a samosa, kebab, katlama piece, tub of chutney and a few pieces of mitai (Asian sweets) which was given to every Muslim prisoner. Also, thank you to Bilal Sweets for the huge support! We also provided HMP Birmingham with mitai also funded by donations to us.
The feedback we received from the Imams on behalf of the prisoners across the prisons involved was incredibly appreciative. Many of the men were said to have been filled with joy and emotion to receive such packages on Eid day, with food reminding them of the taste of home and their mothers’ cooking, something which they would not have had in a number of years.