The Choir

[peanutfoldover]

Anyone else seen this?

Seems like Gareth is trying to get blood out of a stone with this lot!!

This was definitely his hardest yet! I really felt for him. V hard to make himself relatable in that environment. Did you see the second (final) part? I had tears in my eyes.

Yes, agree with you both. The second part was very moving and I just hope someone watching with the means/ideas/time to help those prisoners fulfil their hopes was inspired by this.

I watched it and was very moved by the second part.

Yes, I got something in my eye during the second part!

I was very moved. I am worried about the boys , though. Who carries on with them now Gareth has gone? You can't just withdraw tuff like that form such vulnerable and volatile people.

Yes I saw it and loved it. I think it really shows how much prisoners need things like this. GM didn’t have a lot of time in the grand scheme of things yet what he achieved was remarkable.

I've just watched both episodes and was actually crying at the end. The boys had done such awful things but what a waste, and how hard it is for them to turn their lives round. I hope their new found confidence can help them move on in some way.

Yes, I felt the same, what a waste.

I found it so sad.
However, there are ways in which you can help prisoners. I volunteer for Newbridge. It was set up in the 1950s to address isolation of long-term prisoners by corresponding and visiting them. It's not arduous - I write a letter a month to 2 prisoners (though you need only write to one) and, after a year of writing, I'm going to visit one soon, for the 1st time. You get plenty of support from the office, as well, and also meet other volunteers at the monthly local meetings.
I don't say this to sound smug, it's just that it helps me not to feel so hopeless about it. And it isn't a great responsibilty.

That's lovely. Well done to you