New Zealand’s prison penpals: ‘I had to look at the good things I see in him’

Experts say writing to people on the outside can help prisoners build purpose - but it goes both ways in what can be a difficult relationship

For the first time since 82-year-old Jan Skilling was a young girl, she has time to spare.

Widowed at 40 and responsible for a nest of kids, grandkids, and now more great-grandkids than I care to count", Skilling has spent any spare hour since she can remember looking after everyone but herself. So, in 2017, with retirement from her teaching career looming, she knew it was time for a change.