SOLID, a support group for parents and family members of prisoners, is to close by the end of the year due to a lack of resources.
The group has been meeting monthly since 2005, when it was started by Vivian Osborne (now chairperson), whose son is in prison.
Feeling isolated, Vivian started to meet with other parents of prisoners, firstly in her own kitchen, and then in their current premises at SYAC.
However,funding has been difficult to find, and with no fulltime worker and volunteers overstretched, the group has announced its closure.
“It’s not easy to say you’ve got someone in prison, so it was great to meet other people for mutual support,” explained Vivian. “And research shows if prisoners stay in touch with their families, they have a better chance of success when they are released.
Unfortunately there aren’t any other support groups in Sheffield, but people still need the service. I hope people with more resources than us will take up the cause.”
The last meeting will be on Monday 6th December, from 7pm-8.30pm at Office 2, SYAC, 120 The Wicker.