Among the many issues and needs that inmates in correctional centres have, there is often a need for friendship and spiritual guidance. Some inmates do not have family who are able to regularly visit, while others desire support to help them discover God and grow in faith.

 

• Prison Fellowship coordinates teams of volunteers who support the chaplains in a correctional centre by being part of the worshipping community (church on the inside).  Volunteers can assist in these chapel times
• Prison Fellowship coordinates volunteers who visit inmates on a regular basis, as friends, mentors, spiritual guides.  This is a one-on-one visit program
• Prison Fellowship coordinates teams of volunteers who run weekly fellowship programs – bible studies, discussions, etc

The time and days for these opportunities vary from correctional centre to correctional centre.    

Prison Fellowship visitors are required to complete the application and training process and be accredited by Prison Fellowship for this role.  As with all our programs in the centres, this activity is coordinated through Chaplaincy.

Court Holding Cells are facilities operated by Corrective Services at local courts.  These are to hold those in custody who must appear at the court and those who have been given a custodial sentence.

 

Prison Fellowship coordinates teams of volunteers who provide refreshments (lunch) and a listening ear for those occupying the cells during the day.

Volunteers must complete the ‘In-prison’ application and training process and be approved as accredited volunteers.

Contact nsw.office@prisonfellowship.org.au for more information on being involved or starting a new group

The Department of Corrective Services' Day Release program provides an opportunity for inmates (with appropriate security classification) to begin the process of reintegrating back into society prior to their release.

However, to take advantage of this opportunity, inmates require a sponsor willing pick them up in the morning, spend the day with them and return them in the evening. Several Prison Fellowship volunteers have started provding day release sponsorship, with great success. Volunteers often include day release sponsorship as a part of a broader mentoring ministry.

Everyone needs someone to talk to and inmates are no exception.

Our letter writers provide support, encouragment and guidance and are educated to understand the context into which they are writing.

To be a Prison Fellowship Letter Writer you will need to be both wise and compassionate when dealing with people in difficult and tumultuous circumstances.

If you are interested in finding out more about writing letters to inmates please contact our office.