Game with Mum & Dad is a worlwide initiative that organises football games on prison grounds, bringing together children and their imprisoned parents for a day of fun.
The campaign is led by Children of Prisoners Europe (COPE), an international network that connects over 140 members and affiliates across 40 countries. COPE is dedicated to defending the rights and addressing the unique needs of children impacted when a parent is incarcerated.
This initiative is based on a model developed by Bambinisenzasbarre, a COPE member organisation from Italy. Bambinisenzasbarre advocates for children’s rights with a focus on preserving family connections when a parent is detained. Since 2015, their model has been instrumental in improving the way families interact in a prison context, promoting a safe and nurturing environment for children to bond with their parents.
But who are these people making this initiative a success? Let’s meet the team!
From Bambinisenzasbarre, COPE’s executive partner for the campaign, we have:
Edoardo Fleischner
As the campaign manager and COPE board member with nearly a decade of experience working on GWMD in Italy, Edoardo is the driving force behind the initiative. His expertise and insight guide the project, ensuring that every aspect is executed effectively and thoughtfully.
Florian Zyba
A graphic designer expert, Florian is the creative mind behind the GWMD website and its visual materials, including the campaign’s t-shirts. His work not only enhances the campaign’s appeal but also helps convey its important message in a visually engaging manner.
Andrea Lanzarotto
Andrea plays a crucial role in keeping the GWMD initiative organised. He manages social media posts and coordinates logistics for the games, ensuring that every event runs smoothly and reaches its intended audience.
Working on the campaign from Children of Prisoners Europe, there is:
Paula Akyol
As COPE’s Project Director, Paula oversees the implementation of child safeguarding measures by participating organisations. She is also responsible for reviewing communication materials prior to their public release, ensuring cohesion and consistency within COPE’s messaging.
Naike Rosini
Naike works as COPE’s Communication Officer, managing communications activities for GWMD. From producing news content for the website to collecting data and coordinating between the GWMD team and participants, Naike ensures that information flows seamlessly.
Martin du Bois
Responsible for advocacy, Martin is a member of the COPE board and works to garner support from institutions and stakeholders. His efforts are essential in raising awareness and securing backing for the campaign’s objectives.
Thanks to the combined efforts of the team members, the initiative has gained momentum, helping to create a more inclusive and compassionate approach to family support within the prison system across Europe and beyond.
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