I will never forget my first time inside a prison in 2015 as a chaplaincy volunteer. After nearly 35 years in business, being surrounded by convicted criminals was far outside my comfort zone.
At that time, the prison population in England and Wales was 86,193. By September 2024 it had reached an all-time high of 88,521. By mid-2025 it stood at 88,087, supported by the Government’s Early Release Scheme. Fears of a “revolving door” proved unfounded, but HM Inspectorate of Prisons reported another concern: because of staff shortages, many prisoners were spending excessive time locked in cells. This limited their access to education, development, and spiritual growth - all vital for rehabilitation.
On my first day I asked God why He was leading me down this path. Ten years later, now retired and serving weekly in prison, I don’t have every answer - but I have far more gratitude than questions. Though still outside my comfort zone, I thank God for the extraordinary things He is doing inside. I am often surprised by how much He can use even an imperfect mortal like me.
Prison Bible programme sees remarkable results
Every movement has a moment when momentum becomes unstoppable. It doesn’t happen overnight — it’s a gradual process that eventually …