Joanna Hobson
Imago Dei Vitality 10K 2024
Fundraising for Imago Dei Prison Ministry
Story
I have never run a 10k before, but I have chosen to rise to the challenge because this is a cause that is very close to my heart!! Those of you who know me will know that I, in fact, work for Imago Dei (ID), leading their young adults project ID Essence. I have been involved in this work for 12 years now and think it is one of the most important causes you could invest in for our society (not that I'm biased! ;) )
For this run, I would LOVE to raise £1,000 (£100 for each kilometre) to go towards the work we are doing to support women in prison and after prison.
Women in prison are so often overlooked and not given the support they need to survive and thrive during and after prison, but Imago Dei exists to provide this specialist support. Through our various projects - ID Essence, ID Prison Ministry, ID Grace House and the #SheMatters charity shop, we provide women in prison and the community with the belief, support, skills and opportunities that are so desperately needed to move forward positively from the tragedy of crime and the criminal justice system.
Below is a quote from one of the young women who is supported by ID Essence in the community about her experience of being supported by our team:
“I have been engaged with Essence with ID Essence since 2019/2020 when I was in prison. From the first time I had a conversation with the team I have received a lot of support during my sentence up until now. I have had support with housing appointments, to meet ups, to long phone catch ups from the team, and this has massively helped me believe in myself and has always helped me feel heard and supported. I have also received support when it came to a point I was struggling with my mental well-being and ID Essence have never failed to make me feel hopeful I always feel like there is someone who genuinely wants to help and see growth so thank you for supporting us women through the times where the help is really needed and it felt like the team was there to help step-by-step.”
There are hundreds more women like this who need someone to come alongside them, believe in them and equip them to live life crime free and thriving. Could you help us to support more women in this way?
Any donation you can afford will be gratefully received!! Thank you
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Read on for a brief description of each of Imago Dei's 4 projects:
ID Prison Ministry
ID Prison Ministry works with chaplaincy departments in three women’s prisons in Greater London and the South East.
They have a dedicated team of staff and volunteers who deliver a ‘Free to Be’ suite of programmes on topics such as parenting, resilience & identity and forgiveness. They also provide faith support and pastoral care.
ID Essence
Supports young adults in women's prison and after prison through mentoring, outreach, chaplaincy support, resettlement support and innovative and accredited 'myLife' courses. ID Essence have been doing this work since 2012 and joined Imago Dei Prison Ministry as their Young Adults team in March 2021.
ID Grace House
ID Grace House is currently in development in response to the need Imago Dei Prison Ministry was seeing for their to be safe and supportive housing options for women after their release from prison.
Once ID Grace House is set up, it will provide accommodation, training and support for women leaving prison.
#SheMatters
Is part of ID's community arm - born from a campaign ID ran in 2021 to raise awareness that every person in women's prisons matters, we have run two annual #SheMatter Women's Criminal Justice Conferences, have an employment network and a charity shop in Tunbridge Wells that raises awareness, money and provides work experience opportunities for women leaving prison.
