Our new CEO, Catherine De Souza writes:

I want to tell you about a young man named Lewis. I was chatting with him in a prison chapel. Lewis’s face beamed as he told me that he had recently come to faith. I was so pleased for him. But, I realised that he still had a lengthy sentence to serve.

‘Don’t worry,’ he smiled, ‘I’ve got a plan! I’m going to tell every single person in here about Jesus!’

I often think of Lewis and what he shared with me. And, in turn, I share his story with others as an encouragement that God can use us no matter who or where we are. Lewis was motivated by his faith to make a difference to people in prison – just like you and me! And so, in these first few days of leading Prison Fellowship, I want you to know what an honour it is to be playing my part in continuing the great heritage our ministry has of impacting lives.

I fondly recall the privilege of attending the final session of a Sycamore Tree course at my local prison. I remember being so moved by hearing of the learners’ journeys during the course. Listening to individuals who understood the impact their crimes had on their victims, their families, and themselves was amazing. The whole session was filled with the hope of forgiveness and restoration.

In a church I led, we also ran Angel Tree – buying and wrapping presents for children of parents in prison. As someone passionate about justice, I really appreciated how the programme was not simply about a church buying Christmas gifts. It also focused on enabling those vital family relationships through the children receiving gifts as though they were from their parent—empowering for the parent and encouraging for the children. Angel Tree is also an excellent way for us as the Church to pray for children impacted by the imprisonment of their parents.

Whether you are volunteering in prison, writing to someone through Letter Link, praying for our ministry – the foundation of our work for 45 years – or contributing financially to our programmes, you are a vital member of the PF team. We are a team with diverse skills, experience and availability. But we are united with a passion to serve people in prison. Your commitment is helping us to reach people in every prison across England and Wales.

Over recent weeks, prisons have been in the news a lot. It is clear that now, more than ever, there are growing needs across the prison estate—there is so much more for us to do.

Much is said and written about a lack of ‘purposeful activity’ in our prisons. But Lewis was absolutely filled with purpose. And I know that you too are passionate about reaching out to people in prison and bringing them hope. 

Please could you prayerfully consider making a gift today? No one in our prisons is beyond hope. 

No one in our prisons is beyond hope. And together, with your support, we want to bring hope and purpose to every life in prison.