Toys for prison visits.

Donate toys, arts and crafts and old Christmas cards.

Prisons are scary. Period. 

Prisons are scary for grown adults, and it isn't a place that oozes happiness, so imagine what it might be like for a young child who doesn't understand what is going on. Plus no one likes to hear a crying child even in a happy environment!

If you have any old toys laying around the house, why not donate them to a local prison visitor centre? 

You don't have to donate all the toys in your house because nostalgia trips are always fun, but whatever you can spare will make all the difference to a scared child in a prison centre. Your old beanie babies gathering dust could help turn a young frown, upside down! 

There are many charities supporting vulnerable people in prison. At Women in Prison, arts and crafts is a big part of their group work and activities in prison and at women’s centres. Art can be very therapeutic, is a great way to showcase talent, gives confidence and enables women to be heard. 

Cost-benefit to society

Prisons aren't the best of environments for children, which is why visitor centres are designed to keep children engaged with loved ones they are visiting. Not only does this keep children occupied, but it allows both children and the person they are visiting to bond. We've estimated that you could be saving prisons £75 (or more) simply by donating old toys you no longer use, such as board games, a small box of lego, some small action figures and a playmobile toys.