social spotlight: families of the incarcerated
Identifying your cause is a critical step in launching any volunteering project. Whether it’s one cause or several, having clearly defined objectives will provide your project with a stronger sense of direction and a clearer path to progress. In this article, we’ll be sharing more about the families of the incarcerated — what they may struggle with, and how you can support them.
Writer: Alysa
'Families of the incarcerated' refers to family members of imprisoned individuals. Your project can support those who face unique challenges and struggles related to the incarceration of their loved ones. However, many may overlook this cause because of stereotypes and judgements toward these individuals. Ultimately, families of the incarcerated are a relatively unknown group but are just as important as others, with plenty of ways for volunteers to contribute. To start volunteering for or establishing new volunteering projects related to this cause, one must first understand this community's main issues and needs.
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1. Practical needs
Firstly, most families require assistance with managing their daily necessities and routines. Volunteers can start by offering to help with home repairs and shopping for necessary groceries. For families with children and teenagers, volunteers can also assist through childcare, and/or tuition as part of educational support. Travel buddies for the elderly and young children is another opportunity, helping family members readjust into their daily lives and reducing the load of guardians and/or caregivers.
Some of these tasks may seem simple or basic for day-to-day life, but their impact can project further than one would expect! For these families, worries about chores and care can be alleviated with volunteers helping in such areas. Exploring this category would be ideal for projects that are looking to organise more ad hoc and large-group opportunities.
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2. Emotional needs
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Secondly, affected families also require support and guidance as they go through emotional distress and social stigma. Not to mention, some individuals and families may also experience financial strain and feelings of uncertainty, affecting their readiness to continue with daily activities like school or work. Volunteers can step in, offering help by providing a listening ear as befrienders. As rapport is developed, volunteers can also assist by introducing and connecting families to counselling or therapy services. Another route one’s project can take is to help start support groups and sessions for affected individuals, partnering with organisations passionate about helping the same cause. Not to forget, one should note the age requirements and/or training that may be required for volunteers helping in this aspect.
Adjusting back to the outside world may not be easy for these individuals, but the encouragement and support provided by such activities can surely motivate them. Approaching a more sensitive aspect of volunteering, built on trust and empathy, this category would be well-suited for regular volunteering sessions. This is to give ample time for both the volunteer and beneficiary to warm up to one another and build stronger connections. Additionally, this is a wonderful opportunity for pair befriending or small group activities.
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3. Relationships
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Finally, volunteers and projects can certainly help in bridging the relationship and bond between family members and incarcerated individuals. Helping loved ones with arrangements for visits, calls or letters can help them to continue interaction and communication. Bonds can also be strengthened as part of aftercare, where families reunite with incarcerated individuals. Family-friendly group events would assist as part of quality time, and volunteers can certainly make this happen! Organising carnivals or group outings to carry out fun activities together (e.g. visits to Gardens by the Bay, playing at the beach) are just some of the many other opportunities out there.
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Conclusion
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Understanding these families' needs can drastically improve your ideas for volunteering opportunities that aim to support them. Moreover, Singapore has numerous resources and organisations that can assist in the planning and logistics needed – with some known ones being New Life Stories SG, Prison Fellowship Singapore and the Singapore Prison Service (SPS). These organisations also have their own volunteering programmes if you’re passionate and would like to help, even without a self-initiated project.
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As awareness is brought to a variety of other causes, let’s take the chance to reflect on how we can help families of incarcerated individuals too. Full of connection and change, this cause is just as significant and impactful. Hopefully, the wide range of ideas and information shared will be helpful in your journey to volunteering with families of the incarcerated!
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We hope the tips outlined here will be useful for you! Feel free to reach out to us via email if you would like to chat further, and do fill in our feedback form to let us know what other topics you’d like us to cover. Thanks for reading :)