Support children and families of prisoners this Christmas at Pact’s Carol Services

Pact (Prison Advice and Care Trust) is asking supporters to join the charity at the Annual Advent Carol Services in support of prisoners and their children and families.

This year, as many as 100,000 children will be spending Christmas without their mum or dad - because one of their parents is in prison. As well as the emotional pressure, families of prisoners often experience financial hardship. Pact’s recent survey found that 50% of families are worried about affording what they need to care for their children.

Pact has been supporting people in prison and their children and families for 125 years. It is marking Christmas this year with two Advent Carol Services:

• London Advent Carol Service:  Tuesday 5th December 2023, 7-9pm -  Our Lady of Victories, 235a Kensington High Street, London, W8 6SA
• Birmingham Advent Carol Service: Thursday 7th December 2023, 7-9pm, Our Lady and St Brigid's Church, Northfield, Birmingham B31 5AB

Joining guests at the London Advent Carol Service will be leading poet Roger McGough, who will be reading from his own work. Presenter of BBC Radio's Poetry Please, Roger’s poem Everything Touches brought hope to people inside prison during the pandemic.

Alongside songs, poems and readings, guests at both services will hear from individuals with lived experience of the criminal justice system. Pact trustee and Head of Prisoner Engagement at Prison Reform Trust, Paula Harriott, will be speaking at our Birmingham service.

Rt Rev Richard Moth, Liaison Bishop for Prisons, will be presiding at the London service which will also feature the choir of the Sacred Heart High School, Hammersmith. Fr Cecil Rogerson and Fr Gary Buckby will preside the service in Birmingham and the St Brigid's School Choir will lead guests in song.

Both events run from 7pm-9pm, and guests are invited to stay for drinks and festive refreshments after the Service, to meet Pact staff and supporters.  A collection will be made at each service to support prisoners’ and their families.