Support for families of prisoners

[Anothertimesoon]

My DH has been in prison for some time now and every single day is a struggle. I’m finding it very very hard at the minute, would just like other people to share how they coped through such a hard time :(

There's a thread below called what to take to prison 2 with some lovely people who can support you.

Huge hugs x

Hello, Groovee told me about your thread.
Before I tell you my story and about the fantastic support I got from the mumsnet family, tell me about yourself. How are you coping, children? This is the time to get it off your chest to a complete stranger. Believe me nothing will shock me. I had the tshirt - twice- now using it as a duster. I'm here to listen. X

Hi - there are a few Facebook groups specifically for supporting prisoners family and friends. A really supportive bunch of people.

@drinkswine really sorry, I have just seen your reply. Thank you, some days are ok others are terrible. My 3 Dcs seem to be coping ok but I am finding it really hard to keep everything in as I have no friends to talk to and do not want to let my children see me upset. Never thought I would be in this situation how do I cope?

@polpot I don’t have fb but thank you anyway I have been googling non stop about groups but this is the place I thought I could talk

@Anothertimesoon I'm so sorry I haven't replied. Real life got in the way. About coping, you do. I had the amazing support here on mn . I have a thread. Think you were given the link.
Don't feel ashamed, remember it's your husband that should be , you have done nothing wrong. How long is his sentence? How often do you visit? Remember to come here and vent, it's what we are here for. I know most of us are mothers of prisoners but the advice and support is just the same. My daughter did 2 sentences. She's a nasty piece of work. Yes I supported her while she was inside. The shame at first. National and local press. The family also has a sentence. I came to slowly realise I couldn't change anything. I tried to help but got it thrown back in my face time and time again. And yes it took about 5 years for me to face facts. I haven't seen her for about a month. Don't know where she is. But , my life without her here is less dramatic. I can go to work knowing I won't have a phone call or a visit off the police. I can have alcohol in the house. Leave my purse with money in on the side. I'm starting to replace things that she smashed up in drug fuelled rages. Changed my career path. It's now all about me. I became selfish and started to think about myself in a positive light. You will get there. Do your children have support at school? Were social services involved? It may seem bleak but there is a end to this. Come back and chat.

Thank you so much for the reply. I’m sorry to hear about all of that you sound like your doing the best thing for you. So you should. I can be ok for weeks then all the hurt comes back and I feel terrible again don’t want to get out of bed and go through the day but I have to for my children. He got 9 years it’s not one of the worst crimes someone could do but it’s still obviously not good. He’s only been in around 6months so I’m still trying to come to terms with it and figure out how to explain all the questions my Dc are asking. You are right it is a sentence and I feel really mad at him for putting us in this situation but I know if he could change it he would so I just have to be there for him too, despite this he is my husband and I love him.
No social services have never been involved I am happy about that, never had any problems with my children’s safety or wellbeing they have a lot of family That love and care for them. The school know but haven’t spoken to them directly. I take the dc up every 2 weeks get to spend 3 hours they they really look forward to it as do I. I’m sorry it’s all mixed up I can’t seem to think properly these days, I am going to read through your thread tonight. Just never in a million years imagined us in this situation but then again I bet no one does x

You're in for a long night. There's 2 threads 😂
You take care of yourself xx