[Mothers' Union] In the United Kingdom there about 4,000 young children whose mothers are in prison, and most of these children see their mothers less than once a week. Of those mothers who are imprisoned, 80% have been convicted of non-violent crimes.

The Mothers' Union are bringing together mothers across the UK this Mothering Sunday, 2nd April, along with a number of MPs. They hope to highlight the damage done to the lives of children in both the short and long term caused by separation due to imprisonment, and they are promoting community service penalties as an alternative to prison.

"The Mothers' Union has one thousand members supporting children and mothers in prisons throughout the country," said Christine Eames, World Wide President of the Mothers' Union. "Evidence shows that community sentences can be just as effective, and can help to keep a family together. That is why this Mothering Sunday the Mother's Union wants to see more use of constructive community services for non-violent offenders."

It can be up to £20,000 cheaper to give a sentence in the community rather than in prison, and re-offending rates are comparable for each type of sentence. Non-custodial sentences give something back to the community, and avoid punishing the children of offenders. Each year over 6 million hours of work is done for local communities through Community Service, bringing benefits to needy children and families.

The Mothers' Union has volunteers working in 80 prisons and similar institutions throughout the UK and Ireland. For this year's Mothering Sunday campaign they have joined forces with Payback, who campaign for changes in the way women are sentenced in favour of community sentencing.

"It is sad to imagine all those children not being able to be with their mums this Mothering Sunday," said Marion Janner, Director of Payback. "It's frustrating that this is happening when there are constructive community alternatives which punish the mothers but not the children."

"Advocating prison sentences unless they are absolutely necessary seems foolish," said Paul Flynn MP, who is supporting the campaign. "Non-custodial sentences benefit everyone; the child, the mother, the local community and also the public purse. I congratulate the Mothers' Union and Payback for their important work and for reminding us of these issues this Mothering Sunday."

"They don't like you sitting on her lap and getting hugs and kisses," said Jay, aged 7, about visiting mum in prison. "I asked her when she was coming home and when we could move back to our house. I just want us to be a family again."