On Saturday August 10 “Game with Mum & Dad” took place in the north of Scotland. For the second year in a row, COPE member NGO Families Outside hosted a football game in a high security prison in Aberdeenshire. Sixteen parents in prison took part, welcoming fifteen children to the game.
“Game with Mum & Dad” (GWMD) is a global initiative held on prison grounds aimed at maintaining and strenghtening the bond between children and their imprisoned parents through sports and games. This campaign is led by Children of Prisoners Europe (COPE) and is based on the model developed and pioneneered by its member operating in Italy BambiniSenzaSbarre.
While passing through prison security took some time, the staff from the Scottish Prison Service were there to assist children and families. Once inside the prison, families found a vibrant outdoor playing field, designed in a child-friendly manner, featuring a variety of sports games, toys, crafts and refreshments. This welcoming setup allowed families to momentarily forget they were in a prison, creating a space where they could connect in a meaningful way. The event was adapted to all ages and preferences. Children could choose from various activities, such as sports games, Twister, or decorating T-shirts with fabric pens. Families participated in several ‘Olympic’ themed challenges, including the Long Jump, Running, Egg and Spoon, and Sack races, using pre-made scorecards to track their results.
“I enjoyed playing football outside with Dad; I just wish it was longer.”
– child, Scotland
While the child expressed joy in playing football “outside” in the open air, it’s essential to remember that these moments occurred within the enclosed confines of a prison.
The final activity of the day was a football game, where cheering erupted from the sidelines as numerous goals were scored. It was heartwarming to see team work— children and parents made sure everyone had a turn with the ball, girls and boys and regardless of age or ability. It is this kind of activity that strengthens family bonds. Playing together not only creates lasting memories, but also supports and reinforces family bonds.
GWMD in in Aberdeenshire (© Claire Stewart)
Families Outside is already planning next year’s event, committing to make GWMD even bigger and better. Speaking about the occasion, Martin Milne, Deputy Governor of the prison in Abderdeenshire, HMP & YOI Grampian, remarked,
“This was a positive and welcome opportunity to bring those in our care and their families together to have fun and play games. We know these kinds of experiences support the good mental health of all those involved, particularly children, as well as strengthening those family relationships.”
Families Outside is the only national organisation in Scotland working exclusively on behalf of families impacted by imprisonment. Their vision is for families impacted by imprisonment to be treated justly and fairly, free from stigma and disadvantage. Funded equally by Scottish government sources and charitable trusts, they advocate for affected families and provide direct support through a national helpline, regional family support teams, and peer support. Additionally, they offer training and awareness programs for key professionals, including specialised training for school teachers.
