HSFreleaseCF

Norwich Christian project aids Peruvian prisoner 

Hope and Song to Freedom, a Norwich-based project working with women in prison in Lima, Peru, are pleased to be able to help the latest prisoner to be released.


The prisoner, aged 27, served seven years in Santa Monica prison, Lima. During her time in prison, she became a Christian and attended the fellowship group regularly.  This group, set up by Norwich Christian project Hope and Song to Freedom (HSF), is supported by Miriam Breña Torres, who will be in Norwich soon to share about the work she carries out, supported by her good friends Liz and Andy Lake, from Norwich.
 
This week her time in prison came to an end and Miriam was able to meet her and take her to the beach (her first request).  They have subsequently enjoyed a few trips out, thanks to the generosity of people in England.  Part of the work of HSF is to support Christian prisoners, also to provide for them in the early days when they are released.
 
Since the project started in 2004, several women have been released from prison in Lima and HSF has been able to pay for their legal papers, provide practical needs for them and offer moral support during a time which can often be overwhelming.
 
"These ladies have been closed away from the real world for a long time" explains Liz "and simple tasks such as crossing a road with lots of traffic can be daunting after many years.  Miriam is a great friend to them not only visiting them every week, but being there for them when it is their time to leave prison."
 
HSFmiriamCFMiriam and Liz are looking forward to being able to share more about the valuable work they do and how they are making a difference to these women's lives during Miriam's visit to Norwich this summer.
 
They are keen to make new contacts with different church groups, however big or small, and would love to hear from anyone interested in knowing more.  They are looking forward to giving the people of Norwich a taste of Peru at the cultural evening which is to be held at St Thomas Church Hall, at 7.30pm on Saturday 4th July.  Everyone is welcome - there will be crafts on sale (made by the prisoners), the opportunity to sample Peruvian cuisine and enjoy music from the Andes, as well as to hear how Hope and Song to Freedom is changing lives in Peru.
 
Hope and Song to Freedom is a project of the Grassroots Trust, registered Charity: 1060034 and more information can be found on their website: www.grassroots.org.uk/projects/peru or www.hopesongfreedom.org.uk
 
For more information, please contact Liz at info@hopesongfreedom.org.uk or phone Norwich 260869. 

Pictures taken on day of release. Miriam is on the right.