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Children impacted by imprisonment launch powerful new book sharing their stories with Bedford Row Family Project

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Children impacted by imprisonment launch powerful new book sharing their stories with Bedford Row Family Project

A remarkable new book, written by children whose lives have been deeply affected by the imprisonment of a loved one, was officially launched on 15 May 2025 with Bedford Row Family Project

Children impacted by imprisonment launch powerful new book sharing their stories with Bedford Row Family Project
Pictured at the Bedford Row Family Project for the lauch of their 20th anniversary celebration are Ger Lynch, Service User, Tracie Tobin, Chairperson, Alison Curtin, Project Administrator and Helena O’Connell, Service User. Picture: Bruna Vaz Mattos/ilovelimerick

This powerful publication, produced through the Bedford Row Family Project, gives voice to young people often overlooked and allows them to share their experiences, emotions, and hopes in their own words.

The book—created through workshops and creative writing sessions—represents a courageous step by the children to break the silence around imprisonment and its impact on families. Each contribution offers a raw, heartfelt insight into what it means to grow up with a parent or loved one behind bars.

“These young authors have shown incredible bravery and honesty in telling their stories,” Said Alison Curtin, Project Leader.


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Adding, “Their words speak not only to the pain they’ve felt, but also to their resilience, creativity, and vision for a better future. This book epitomises what Bedford Row is all about.”

To mark the significance of the publication and honour the voices of these young people, Minister of Justice, Jim O’Callaghan and his colleagues visited the Bedford Row Family Project on 26 May 2025.

His visit demonstrates the importance of acknowledging and supporting children affected by imprisonment and the need for inclusive policies that protect their well-being and rights. ‘Powerful work is being done in Limerick by the team in Bedford Row, they ensure the voices of children are heard at a local and national level.’ The book is now available for collection at Bedford Row or can be ordered through the IPRT which is a valuable tool for teachers, social workers as well as families impacted by imprisonment.  

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Richard is a presenter, producer, songwriter and actor. He was named the Limerick Person of the Year (2011) and won an online award at the Metro Éireann Media and Multicultural Awards (2011) for promoting multi-culturalism online. Richard says that the ilovelimerick.com concept is very much a community driven project that aims to document life in Limerick. So, that in 20 years time people can look back and remember the events that were making the headlines.