Grief in prison rarely looks like tears.
It looks like fists through walls. Silence that lasts for years. Addictions that take hold. Lives derailed.
Most people in prison have lost someone they love—often early, often violently and often alone.
For many of them, there’s no funeral to attend, no friends to rally round and no safe place to cry.
Mark is one of those people. His dad died in a car crash when he was just 16. For the next 20 years, Mark never spoke about it—not until he ended up in prison.
‘I suffered from depression and anxiety for years. I was married with kids, but I still felt incredibly lonely. I didn’t even realise my dad’s death was at the root of it all.’
Inside prison, Mark signed up for a bereavement support course led by Prison Fellowship volunteers, as part of our Pastoral Care programme:
‘Ever since my dad died, I was stuck in a loop with my emotions and had never got over the grief. The effect on me came out in different ways. I hated myself. I had really low confidence. I wouldn’t try to do anything because if I failed, it would have such a negative effect on my mood and make me withdraw even more.
At the end of the course, Mark wrote a letter to his dad:
‘I will never completely get over losing you. But now it’s time for me to finally let go of the grief and finally move on. I hope from now on I can make you proud of me again.’
Now, with your help, we’re ready to go further.
Mark’s story shows how powerful it is when someone in prison is given space to grieve. Our Pastoral Care work has helped many people begin that journey. And so, we’re taking on the important task of building on this foundation and expanding our work.
This Autumn, we’re joining forces with an established national bereavement charity. Sharing knowledge and experience, together we will refresh and update our Pastoral Care provision. This will include the multi-prison pilot of a successful and established bereavement course, specially adapted for use in prisons.
It will be a safe, structured space for people in prison to face grief—often for the first time in their lives. A place of strength, honesty and hope.
The need is great—and the potential for healing is even greater.
People who’ve already taken part in the course outside prison say:
‘We all cried and laughed with each other. Everyone grieves in their own way. We became stronger. I think this group is a great support for people and has definitely helped me.’
‘I came as a wreck and left with some hope for the future.’
We believe no life is beyond the reach of God’s healing love—but that love often begins with listening, honesty and presence.
Will you help us bring healing into prisons?
Mark made a brave step in sharing his story. He did this to help others like him. Will you help others like Mark? Your gift today will help us:
- Train volunteers
- Pilot the new course in seven prisons
- Walk with people who are grieving and longing to be whole again
Many people in prison carry deep pain they’ve never had space to process. With your support, we can
bring Christ’s love into that pain—and begin the work of healing together.
With deep gratitude,
Catherine De Souza
Chief Executive
P.S. You can see the full letter Mark wrote his dad here
Your gift helps us to support people in prison through the faithful presence of our volunteers and the delivery of our programmes: Angel Tree, Bible Studies, Letter Link, Pastoral Care and Prayer Line.
Thank you!
