“Across the Diocese, I give thanks for the tireless ministry of prison chaplains and churches, who bring hope, dignity and compassion to people in prison and to those rebuilding their lives after release. Together, they embody Christ’s message of justice, restoration, and belonging, seeking healing in places often marked by pain and brokenness.”
Right Revd Dr Emma Ineson, Acting Bishop of London
There are four prisons in our diocese:
- HMP Pentonville (Barnsbury, Islington)
- HMP Wormwood Scrubs (White City/East Acton, Hammersmith & Fulham)
- HMP Bronzefield Women’s Prison (Ashford, Spelthorne)
- HMP /YOI (Young Offenders Institute) Feltham (Feltham, Hounslow)
These prisons are supported by chaplaincies, alongside local churches. They offer pastoral practical and spiritual support for prisoners, their families, as well as for staff and volunteers involved in the Prison Service.
Churches across the diocese also serve those leaving prison: offering support prayer and in some cases practical programmes of re-integration for them and their families.
Prison Chaplaincy
This work is often done ecumenically, and in partnership with volunteers from churches who are local to the prison.
Getting involved in prison ministry or supporting prison leavers
If you or your church is interested in getting more involved in ministry with prisons and prison leavers, there are a range of Christian organisations and resources to help you. Some are listed below:
This is an ecumenical week, every year in October to focus on prayer for our Prisons. The week providers a focus for churches to pray for people affected by imprisonment, including those in prison, their families, victims of crime, prison staff and chaplains. It is also a chance to reflect on God’s call to bring hope, justice, restoration and support to those whose lives are touched by the criminal justice system.
More details about this year’s Prisons Week, including resources to use in your church, are below.
A nationwide directory listing faith and belief communities all willing and able to welcome and support people leaving prison.
The largest Christian charity working in prisons across England and Wales, supporting people in prison through practical care, prayer, mentoring, chaplaincy support, and faith-based programmes. It helps local churches get involved through volunteering, prayer groups, prisoner correspondence, resettlement support along with restorative justice through their Sycamore Tree programme, and family support initiatives through the Angel Tree programme.
A ministry of Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB) that helps churches welcome and support people leaving prison by connecting them with trained mentors and local church support teams. Through its Bridge Programme, it provides training, resources, and guidance to help churches offer safe, supportive Christian community and practical encouragement to prison leavers as they rebuild their lives and seek to break cycles of reoffending
An evangelical charity working with prisons, chaplains, volunteers and local churches to provide Bible-based discipleship, pastoral support, educational programmes and resettlement support. IT runs a church partnership programme to help congregations support people leaving prison, enabling them to find Christian community, encouragement and practical help as they rebuild their lives.
Alpha is a short course designed to introduce the basics of the Christian faith, done in a group setting. Alpha in Prisons partners with prison chaplaincies and local churches to offer the Alpha course in prisons, giving people the opportunity to explore the Christian faith and connect with supportive Christian communities. The Alpha team can offer training and support to churches wanting to help run a course in their local prison, in partnership with prison chaplaincies and with the approval of prison authorities.
Prisons Week
Prisons Week is an ecumenical Christian initiative that encourages prayer, reflection and greater awareness of the impact of imprisonment on individuals, families and communities.
Prisons Week is held in October each year. It invites churches to pray for prisoners, prison leavers, victims of crime, prison staff, chaplains, volunteers and all those affected by the criminal justice system. It also seeks to inspire practical support and action, helping people remember those who are often out of sight and overlooked, while promoting hope, restoration and rehabilitation.
Prisons Week 2026
This year’s Prison Week is 11-17 October 2026 and the theme is “All Are Invited”.
This year’s campaign takes it’s inspiration from Matthew 22:1-14, which says
‘the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, the bad as well as the good, and the wedding hall was filled with guests’.
Resources for Prisons Week can be found here, and specific resources for planning a church service are here
Prisons Week 2026
During Prisons Week, we hold in prayer everyone affected by imprisonment, remembering prisoners, their families, those who have suffered through crime, and all who work within the prison system. Across the Diocese, I give thanks for the tireless ministry of prison chaplains and churches, who bring hope, dignity and compassion to people in prison and to those rebuilding their lives after release. Together, they embody Christ’s message of justice, restoration, and belonging, seeking healing in places often marked by pain and brokenness.
Prisons Week offers us an important opportunity to pray for all those in the criminal justice system: people in prison, their families, victims of crime, prison staff, chaplains, and those rebuilding their lives after release.
As Christians, we believe that every person is made in the image of God and is worthy of dignity, compassion, and hope. The Gospel reminds us that no one is beyond God’s love, and that restoration is at the heart of our faith.
We have as a diocese a faithful ministry of prison chaplains across our prisons, who offer spiritual care, pastoral support, and a compassionate presence to people often facing some of the most difficult circumstances of their lives. Their ministry is a powerful witness to Christ’s love behind prison walls.
I am also deeply grateful for the churches across our diocese that support people in prison and those leaving prison through prayer, practical assistance, friendship, mentoring, and community. These acts of welcome and accompaniment can make a profound difference, helping people find belonging, stability, and hope as they take steps towards a new future.
During Prisons Week, I encourage our churches to pray for all affected by imprisonment, and to consider how they might help build communities of justice, mercy, and hope, bearing witness to the transforming power of God’s grace.
Right Revd Dr Emma Ineson, Acting Bishop of London
Skip To Sub Navigation