Dear friends,
First of all, I want to thank everyone for all the support I’ve received so far since I got sentenced in January. It is a great feeling to finally get on with my life after having to wait 6 years, although I’m in prison I try to make the best of it.
All the post I receive really makes my day and keeps me connected to the outside. I’ve still got a big pile of letters to reply to, so be patient if you haven’t heard back yet. I’m keeping my days organised and busy. I do art classes four days a week. And I’m really enjoying learning to draw and paint. The rest of my time I spend reading, replying to letters, doing in-cell workouts, yoga and meditation. They run a weekly yoga class in prison which is great. Last week, I finally received all my course material for my permaculture distance learning course. So I’m excited to start studying as well. I feel so incredibly grateful for the people who joined the fundraiser for my course. A huge thank you to everyone 
<3
I’ve just applied to volunteer for the Shannon Trust and help other prisoners with reading and writing difficulties. I hope I can make some difference for other people in here. Before going to prison, I decided to make my time as productive as possible. I feel like I am slowly getting used to the prison life and learn how I can make the best of it.
What I’ve written so far sounds all positive and great, but it is important to realise that prison is a horrible and grim place to be. People fight or stab each other and there is lots of self-harm going on. Drugs are normal in prison and I don’t believe prison is doing any good for most people on the in and outside.
I can feel vulnerable and scared in prison at times. But my amazing support network keeps me strong and positive, especially at times when things aren’t easy. I love you all so much, whether it’s my amazing and caring partner, or all my other family, friends and other people supporting me (despite not knowing me personally). You really are the best!
Take care everyone and keep smiling!
Sven