The team visiting HMP Whitemoor on 12th December 2018 was a mixture of experienced and new volunteers, which was a good balance for the day and made for a fun and inclusive atmosphere. After chatting to the residents, we all learned 3 Christmassy songs together- Go Tell it on the Mountain, White Christmas and Mary's Boy Child. Then, one of the residents taught us a song that he had written himself- we all really enjoyed singing it and it was great to see how he had picked up the teaching techniques used by the volunteers! After the lunch break, we were lucky enough to be a part of the prison's annual carol service. As well as singing congregational carols and performing the songs that we'd learned together in the morning, we also heard some songs written and performed by residents, and some personal stories about residents' experiences over the past year. It was an extremely moving experience for everyone involved, and singing the service together helped to solidify the sense of equality and inclusion that we had felt throughout the day. The residents were so grateful for our time, and it was a really special day- I can't wait to go on another visit!
Madeline Bryan