Prisons

Around 88,000 men, women and teenagers across the UK are serving prison sentences. With many of them finding themselves at the lowest point in their lives, they need to hear about the hope that only Jesus offers them.

Message in Prisons teams share the good news of Jesus in word and deed. Today we’re working in prisons across England and Wales, meeting around 10% of the UK’s prison population.

‘I’m unrecognisable from the guy I was, Jesus’ love has transformed my life.’ – Dennis

Give to our prisons work

What we do

First contact
We might meet someone before they’re sentenced or once they’ve arrived in prison. We build genuine relationship and invest in each conversation, even offering music lessons to help break the ice.

Exploring faith
We invite everyone we meet in prison to explore the Christian faith. We run tailored versions of the Alpha course and a Faith and Self-esteem course especially designed for women in prison.

Discipleship
Many of the people we work with choose to give their lives to Jesus. Once someone has made a decision, we support them in the early stages of their faith. We run regular bible studies and host Sunday chapel services.

Resettlement
We help people make a fresh start and avoid returning to old patterns. We connect each prison leaver we’ve discipled with a local church. Our community groceries offer practical support and our cafés offer training and work.

‘I can’t wait to see where this new faith in Jesus will take me’. – Paula

How you and your church can help

Equip your church to welcome prison leavers

Have you ever wondered how your church can best support those leaving prison? Tim Mycock, Head of Prisons at The Message, has worked with prison leavers for over 20 years.

Read Tim’s advice

What does it take to be a prison volunteer?

Volunteering in a prison is both challenging and rewarding. This kind of role won’t suit everyone but if you’re the right fit, you might find it’s a truly impactful way for Jesus to work through you.

Find out about prison volunteering

Prisons stories

‘Jesus is changing me’

Every week, our prisons team across the country journey with men and women as they find out more about faith, and they’re seeing God move in amazing ways.