On Sunday, December 15, 2024, the third ‘Game with Mum & Dad’ event was hosted at Bremen Prison. Five imprisoned fathers had the opportunity to spend four hours with their children, who ranged in age from one to seventeen.
This event took place in the prison gymnasium and was organised by Hoppenbank e.V., a COPE member working in Germany. ‘Game with Mum & Dad’ is designed to strengthen, enhance and maintain the bond between children and their imprisoned parents—one of the project’s main objectives. The initiative follows the model developed and consolidated by the Italian organisation Associazione Bambinisenzasbarre, which can be replicated by other NGOs working in prisons. Since July 2024, COPE network members have been using this model to organise similar events across Europe as part of the 2024 edition of the ‘Game with Mum & Dad’ initiative.
GWMD at Bremen Prison (© Hoppenbank e.V.)
As in the previous events, the Bremen prison provided a climbing wall, mats and a custom-built climbing course. Fathers participated actively by helping their children climb, holding them for support or encouraging them to try new challenges on their own. The loving and familiar communication between the fathers and their children was particularly evident during these activities. One father reflected:
“I have been imprisoned for four years and five days. Being able to play, eat, drink and spend time with my children here means so much to me.”
In addition to climbing, families engaged in various sports activities, including football, badminton, basketball and children’s bowling. Mothers also participated, forming family teams that competed against one another in football and badminton games. A buffet was provided, offering a wide selection of vegetables, fruit, pretzels, dips and cream puffs.
Beyond sport, families expressed their creativity through painting, drawing and reading together.
A highlight of the event was the donation of SV Werder Bremen jerseys to the children and their fathers. The jerseys were personally presented by SV Werder Bremen Chairman Mr. Hess-Grunewald, creating a memorable moment for all participants.
The event concluded with a joint family game and ample time was set aside to ensure a meaningful farewell between fathers and their children.
‘Game with Mum & Dad’ represents the culmination of a months-long program designed for incarcerated parents, their children and family members. This initiative also involves prison staff and officers, offering families the opportunity to strengthen their emotional bonds, which has lasting positive effects on children and their families.
The fourth event of GWMD at Bremen prison is scheduled to take place on January 12, 2025.
