Links
Alpha for Prisons www.alpha.org/prisons/
Alpha for Prisons was launched in response to demand from inmates, who wanted to undertake the Alpha Course, a 15-session practical introduction to the Christian faith, designed primarily for non-churchgoers and new Christians. It is now registered in 80% of prisons in the UK as well as running in the prisons of more than 73 countries on all continents.
Action for Prisoners’ Families www.prisonersfamilies.org.uk
Action for Prisoners' Families promotes the just treatment of prisoners' families by the prison system and society. It encourages the development of, and acts as a voice for, organisations providing support to these families.
Caring for Ex-Offenders www.caringforexoffenders.org
Caring for Ex-Offenders began as a result of the growth of the Alpha course in prisons all over the UK. Its aim is to help reduce the re-offending rate by re-integrating ex-offenders into society through the local church. It aims to do this by providing ex-offenders with a person to meet them at the prison gate upon release, basic provisions (clothing, food), accommodation, work, and pastoral support through integration into the life of the church.
Churches Criminal Justice Forum www.ccjf.org
The Churches’ Criminal Justice Forum seeks to uphold Christian values in the field of criminal justice, to promote awareness of criminal justice issues in the churches and to make representations to government on behalf of the churches. It advocates the use of restorative justice, supports Christians working in the criminal justice system, and promotes community projects to reduce offending. CCJF is a network of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland.
Clinks www.clinks.org
Clinks supports and develops the work that voluntary organisations (undertake within the Criminal Justice system, believing that a strong voluntary sector is crucial to reducing offending and building safer communities.
Howard League for Penal Reform www.howardleague.org
The Howard League for Penal Reform is the oldest penal reform charity in the UK. It was established in 1866 and is named after John Howard, one of the first prison reformers. It works for a safe society where fewer people are victims of crime, believing that offenders must make amends for what they have done and change their lives. The League believes that community sentences make a person take responsibility and live a law-abiding life in the community.
Kainos Community www.kainoscommunity.com
Kainos Community is a Christian charity that has been operating in prisons in the UK for the past 10 years. We deliver 'challenge to change' programmes which are aimed at reducing re-offending. The interventions are delivered within a community setting, providing an environment for prisoners to address their offending behaviour through course work, community living, team building, social interaction and ongoing individual assessment.
Langley House Trust www.langleyhousetrust.org
The Langley House Trust is a national Christian charity which seeks to help people to lead fulfilling and crime-free lives and, in so doing, to help protect the public. It provides training, accommodation, education for ex-offenders; it welcomes those of other faiths and those of none.
Ministry of Justice www.justice.gov.uk
In May 2007, responsibility for probation, prisons and preventing re-offending moved from the Home Office to the new Ministry of Justice.
NACRO www.nacro.org.uk
Nacro, the crime reduction charity, seeks to make society safer by finding practical solutions to reducing crime. With more than 200 projects across England and Wales, it works to give ex-offenders, disadvantaged people and deprived communities the help they need to build a better future.
Prison Fellowship www.prisonfellowship.org.uk
Prison Fellowship mobilises and enables volunteers from the Christian community, through prayer, practical care and values-based programmes, to restore all those affected by crime. Its services are provided to all who request them, regardless of their religious beliefs. More than 140 local volunteer Prison Fellowship prayer groups across England and Wales support prisoners and their families. Volunteers from these groups support prisoners by visiting, befriending and giving practical help as well as helping with chapel services and discussion groups.
Prison Reform Trust www.prisonreformtrust.org.uk
The work of the Prison Reform Trust is aimed at creating a just, humane and effective penal system. It does this by inquiring into the workings of the system, informing prisoners, staff, and the wider public, and influencing Parliament, government and officials towards reform. PRT produces the comprehensive Bromley Briefing factfile, available via the website.
Prison Service www.hmprisonservice.gov.uk
The website of HM Prison Service details the work carried out in prisons in England and Wales and has information about individual prisons, of value to visitors.
Prison Service Chaplaincy www.hmprisonservice.gov.uk/careersandjobs/typeswork/chaplaincy/
Chaplains from a wide range of faith traditions work with the Prison Service, serving the needs of prisoners, staff and faith communities.
Restorative Justice Consortium www.restorativejustice.org.uk
The Consortium promotes restorative justice for the public benefit as a means of resolving conflict and promoting reconciliation.
St. Vincent de Paul Society (SVP) www.svp.org.uk
SVP is an international Christian voluntary organisation dedicated to tackling poverty and disadvantage by providing direct practical assistance to anyone in need. It addresses social and material need in England and Wales in all its many forms. It is active in prison visiting and in supporting prisoners’ families.
Victim Support www.victimsupport.org
Victim Support helps people cope with the effects of crime, providing free and confidential support and information to help deal with the experience. It also works to promote and advance the rights of victims and witnesses.
What Can I Do? www.whatcanIdo.org.uk
What Can I Do? is a guide to volunteering in the criminal justice system produced by PACT (Prison Advice and Care Trust) and the Churches’ Criminal Justice Forum.
YJB (Youth Justice Board) www.yjb.gov.uk
The YJB oversees the youth justice system in England and Wales. It works to prevent offending and re-offending by children and young people under the age of 18, and to ensure that custody for them is safe, secure, and addresses the causes of their offending behaviour.
