As my time leading Prison Fellowship (PF) draws to a close, I have been thinking joyfully about the last nine years and looking forward with excitement to the next chapter of our ministry.

Overwhelmingly, my thoughts have been of special, servant-hearted, dedicated people doing their very best for those in our prisons. And of people in prison grateful to have been given a helping hand to get their lives back on track.

It is these Volunteers who make PF what it is today. And, looking forward, they will continue to be the backbone of our organisation and the frontline of our ministry. Their commitment reminds me of these wonderful words from 1 Corinthians: ‘Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain.’

Sycamore Tree

In my first year as CEO, I met an indomitable and wonderful Managing Chaplain for the final week of a Sycamore Tree course at his prison in the north west of England. Everything from his beaming smile to his strong coffee told me of the Christ-filled life he gives to the men in his care. Members of the community were present for this final week – including the families of our learners. The way the PF team made them welcome and strengthened their family ties showed me that Sycamore Tree is very special.

Angel Tree

One Christmas, I spoke with an Angel Tree group who had been asked by a parent in prison to buy a pink teddy with ‘Daddy loves me’ written on the front for their child. They had not been able to find such a specific gift. And so, they searched for a pink bear, and embroidered the words on the teddy themselves! I still have a picture of that bear today to remind me of the extent of God’s love for every person and the extraordinary effort that PF’s Volunteers make for people in prison.

Letter Link

I also had the privilege of visiting the children’s prison estate to offer Letter Link to under-18s. The programme was very popular, and the children loved receiving letters and cards. But many of them did not write back to their specially-trained PF Volunteer. However, I saw this unreciprocated writing as a beautiful illustration of God’s unconditional love to us all and the faithfulness of PF Volunteers. It does not matter if we never write back—God never stops writing to us!

Prayer Line

During the Covid-19 pandemic, PF Volunteers were barred from visiting prison. What should a prison ministry that is not allowed into prison do next? I was reminded that, when Sylvia Mary Alison founded PF 45 years ago, she faced the same exclusion from prison. She organised PF people to do what we do best – to pray. And so, during Covid, PF Volunteers faithfully came together at our first online national Volunteer prayer gathering. And these events have been running ever since – adding to our prayer ministry.

When we prayed, we heard God answer! In 2020, we were able to launch our Prayer Line service for those in prison, which continues to run today. When people call our free phone number and leave their prayer requests, hundreds of Volunteers across England and Wales will pray for them that very same day.

They are also a beautiful reminder that we do none of these things in our own strength. We worship a wonderful God who has led PF through many challenges. And He has built a strong team of Volunteers, people who pray and Supporters. Having followed God’s call into prison ministry over 40 years ago, I am so grateful for these unique, first-hand experiences of PF’s mission.

What is so encouraging to me is that every PF Volunteer and Supporter will have similar tales to tell. The combined impact of all our work makes PF the force it is today and will continue to be tomorrow: thousands of people showing Christ’s love to those in prison!

As I move on, I do so knowing that God has a plan to move Prison Fellowship on, too. I also know that I will continue to be part of the PF family – but serving in a different way. I am very grateful to you for all that you do for PF. Thank you! Your commitment to this ministry is helping PF continue changing the lives of people in prison and their families.

And so, please can I ask you to prayerfully consider supporting our ministry with a gift today?

Your generosity will be encouraging more of these stories to take place and enabling our Volunteers to reach even more people in prison with the transformative power of Christ’s love.

Your gift will help us support people in prison, through the faithful presence of our Volunteers, and through our programmes: Sycamore Tree, Angel Tree, Letter Link and Prayer Line.

Thank you!

£ Donation Amount:

Personal Info

First Name *

Last Name

Email Address *

Credit Card Info

This is a secure SSL encrypted payment.

Card Number *

CVC *

Cardholder Name *

Expiration *

Billing Details

Country *

Address 1 *

Address 2

City *

County *

Zip / Postal Code *

Gift Aid

Add 25% more to your donation at no cost to you. A Gift Aid declaration allows Prison Fellowship to claim tax back on eligible donations. It means that for every £1 you donate to Prison Fellowship we can claim back 25p, at no extra cost to you.

Tell me more »

Yes, I would like to claim Gift Aid

By ticking the "Yes" box, I agree I would like Prison Fellowship to reclaim the tax on all qualifying donations I have made, as well as any future donations, until I notify them otherwise. I understand that if I pay less Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all my donations in that tax year I may be asked to pay any difference. I understand that Prison Fellowship will reclaim 25p of tax on every £1 that I give.

What is Gift Aid?

Gift Aid does not cost you a penny more, but can add an additional 25p to every £1 you donate. When Prison Fellowship receives a donation from a UK taxpayer, we're entitled to claim an amount of tax (calculated at the basic rate of income tax in that year) paid on that donation. Once you have given your permission for us to do this on your behalf, there is no need for you to do anything else.

All that is required is that you must be a taxpayer and that would have paid or will pay sufficient Income and/or Capital Gains Tax to cover all the Gift Aid claimed on all your donations in that tax year. Please note that it is your responsibility to pay any difference.

The amount of tax we claim will be 25% of the total value of your donations in that tax year. Furthermore, if you are a higher taxpayer, you are also entitled to claim the difference between the basic rate which we will claim and the amount of tax you have actually paid. For further details on how you can do this, please contact your tax office. If your tax situation changes and your gifts will no longer be eligible for the Gift Aid scheme please contact us and we will amend your record accordingly.

Take me to my donation »

Gift Aid Address

Please use the billing details address
I'd like to use another address

First name *

Last name *

Country *

Address 1 *

Address 2

City *

County *

Postal Code *

Stay in touch

We would love to keep you up to date with stories and updates from our work, so you can see how your donation is supporting men and women in prison. Ticking this box will sign you up to our email mailing list. Your data is held securely, we will only contact you in the ways you have requested, and you are always free to change your preferences or unsubscribe by contacting the Support Team on 020 7799 2500. See our full Privacy Policy (at the bottom of the page) for more information. (If you are already on our mailing list, your preferences will remain unchanged.

Donation Total: £10.00

Stories of hope

Volunteer with PF