Bedford Row project marks 25th anniversary
A SOCIAL project which has helped generations of Limerick people who have had family members in jail is marking a quarter-of-a-century in operation.
The Bedford Row Family Project, located in the city centre street of the same name, was founded in 1999.
It was the brainchild of the Mercy Sisters and Franciscan Friars.
Its ethos lies in its awareness of the experiences and issues of family, especially children, that are impacted by imprisonment.
Its main aim is to support families in addressing the issues they face, alongside working with other groups in the interest of social inclusion.
Project manager, Alison Curtin, who joined the team at Bedford Row in 2016 said: “As an organisation we are committed to listening to the experience of people affected by imprisonment and allowing that experience to shape the direction of the project.
"We work proactively with family members of people in prison, and those who have been released to assist them in making positive life choices with respect to their children. We aim to provide leadership and direction in design and implementation of programmes that work effectively with families affected by imprisonment and related matters.”
Bedford Row project staff have worked alongside the Irish Prison Service.
Its director general Caron McCaffrey said: “Alison and the team at Bedford Row have done so much over the years to help us support those in custody maintain those all-important links between the prisoner and their family, particularly in Limerick with our female population.
"There is no more important a link than the link between parent and child. The link between the Irish Prison Service and Bedford Row allows us to maintain and build upon those relationships for the betterment of the wider Limerick area.”
To mark the 25th anniversary, there will be two open days, on Thursday, April 25 and Friday, April 26 next to illustrate the work carried out daily by Bedford Row staff.
The Bedford Row Family Project is also supported by Limerick City and County Council and Clare County Council.
On top of this, the educational provider, the Limerick Clare Education and Training Board also gives support.
To contact the project, please telephone 061- 315332 . Alternatively, email [email protected], or log on to www.bedfordrow.ie.