In mid-October, the forth “Game with Mum & Dad” event of 2025 in Germany was held at Bremen Prison. Across Europe, the GWMD is coordinated by Children of Prisoners Europe (COPE) and it is inspired by the model developed by Bambinisenzasbarre, an Italian association part of the COPE Network. In Germany GWMD is organised by Hoppebank e.V. In the sports hall prepared by the prison staff, four imprisoned fathers reunited with five children, who were accompanied by three mothers and one uncle. Two members of the sports department supported the activities. Two families had to cancel for illness, a reminder of how fragile these meetings are.
As the fathers entered, the hall filled with shouts and footsteps: the 10-year-old boy ran straight to his dad and the others followed, eager to enjoy time that is usually denied to them in the visiting room. “It meant a lot to me to have a change from the monotonous daily routine and to see my loved ones again,” one father told us. Another said he appreciated “being able to play in peace and quiet”. A child summed it up with a simple sentence: “It was great. I love Daddy”.
It was possible to take only two Polaroid photos, because the usual contact person was ill and the public relations officer was not authorised to shoot. “We hope this will be possible in the next meeting” said one of the organisers from Hoppenbank e.V.
Despite the limits, the aim of GWMD was fully achieved: creating quality, playful time that helps to protect and strenghten the bond between children and their parents in prison, in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
