Each season The Prison Reform Trust publish a bulletin outlining the state and statistics in British prisons. They are a registered independent charity and their mission is to work to create a just, humane and effective penal system. They do this by inquiring into the workings of the system; informing prisoners, staff and the wider public and by influencing Parliament, government and officials towards reform.
The Prison Reform Trust's main objectives are: reducing unnecessary imprisonment and promoting community solutions to crime; improving treatment and conditions for prisoners and their families; promoting equality and human rights in the justice system. You can read their latest news here. The independent nature of the work they do means they can dig deep into the issues and policies affecting those serving prison sentences.
You can read the winter report (Bromley Briefing) in full here, but here is a statement from the latest report which show some of the issues facing the sector and the prison population this season:…
“More than any other factor, it is the increase in sentence lengths
and time actually spent in custody which has created a prison population that already exceeds the available decent accommodation by around 8,000 spaces.“
It is a complex picture and one that will need advocacy and support from many in the criminal justice system. Wondering what you can do in your church? Well, one way you could help is by registering your church as part of The Welcome Directory - whose mission is “Helping faith communities welcome people who are leaving prison.”
Join with us as we pray (Prisons Week Prayer)…
Lord, you offer freedom to all people. We pray for those in prison. Break the bonds of fear and isolation that exist. Support with your love prisoners and their families and friends, prison staff and all who care. Heal those who have been wounded by the actions of others, especially the victims of crime. Help us to forgive one another, to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly together with Christ in his strength and in his Spirit, now and every day. Amen.
(photo courtesy of Matthew Ansley at Unsplash)