To mark Prisons Week last month, members of the Bristol branch of Mothers' Union have been sharing how they have been working in different ways through the Prison Service.
Like many of the activities that Mothers' Union is involved in, its prison work started small and has grown into something much bigger. Nowadays, around the UK, members are involved with running various training schemes, organising family days, counselling prisoners and providing a safe and stimulating environment for children during their visits, amongst many other things.
Mothers' Union in Bristol Diocese help in the visitor centre at Ashfield Prison, Pucklechurch. Volunteers are there every Saturday morning and afternoon to greet visitors with a cup of tea or coffee and cake or biscuit.
Aurea Hart, Diocesan President of Bristol Mothers' Union, said: "At a quick glance, in comparison to the larger activities that members arrange in prisons, running visitor tea bars may seem small. However, the real and often hidden value of tea, cake and a chat goes so much deeper and it is reflective of Jesus work here on earth; being a friend to the needy, providing a non-judgemental ear, demonstrating God's love.
"We are the smiling welcome that can be so helpful after what is sometimes a long and stressful journey.
"Its through these cafes that members have been able to make real and much needed connections with the very people at the heart of our organisation: families in need of Christian care."
If you would like to support the work of Mothers' Union in prisons, you can find a cycle of prayer on the Mothers' Union website.