British-Prisons.co.uk

Caring for Ex-Offenders.

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We can be contacted at:-

British Prisons,
PO Box 783, 
Croydon, 
CR9 1BT.

Our telephone number is 

0776 1246942

Breaking the cycle of Crime 

A training day to help churches care in practical ways for ex-offenders who have completed Alpha in Prison.

Friday 28th November 2003 at Holy Trinity Brompton

Why attend the training day?
There are Christian men and women being released daily from prison and they could arrive at your church this Sunday! Alpha is now running in over 80 percent of prisons in the United Kingdom and many prisoners are coming to faith in Jesus through the course. Over 28,000 inmates have now completed the Alpha Course whilst in prison. On release, these ex-offenders will want to join a church and will need discipling. If the church is ready to help in practical ways by providing pastoral support and can help them in their search for a home and work then the person is less likely to re-offend.

'We need you, the church, we don't want to backslide, and we don't want to be lost again. Many of us will feel nervous when we leave prison, not least because 'forgiveness' is not a politically correct word. The fear of not being welcomed by our own Christian brothers and sisters is the worst fear of all' Inmate, HMP Dartmoor.

Who is it for?
The day is for anyone interested in supporting an ex-offender. It aims to help people understand the problems faced by the offender both inside the prison, and after their release. It is intended to help equip churches to welcome ex-offenders, enabling them to become integrated into a community of faith and supporting them as they seek to rebuild their lives.

Through the day we hope to see:

• An increase in the partnership between churches of all denominations, prison chaplains and other organisations involved in this work.

• The reduction of the re-offending rate as churches take up the challenge of caring for ex-offenders in the community.

What does the day include?
 The day provides an understanding of the practical aspects of caring for Christians in prison and upon their release.

 The first session will concentrate on the work of Alpha for prisons and how the work has developed since 1995.

 The rest of the day will cover some of the issues faced by Christians leaving prison and will address practical aspects of working with Christian ex-offenders.

 ‘It was probably the most helpful one-day course I have ever been on! There was a wonderful balance between giving information and motivating/inspiring. It was much appreciated!’                                                                                Church Leader.

‘It is my dream to be part of a church that is relevant to broken people. The Caring for Ex-Offenders Conference was a vital step in turning this dream into reality. Full of inspiring testimony of what God can do through ordinary Christians, the Conference gave us great hope and practical advice on how to go about welcoming ex-offenders into church life.’                                                          Vicar, Isle of Man.

Training Day Programme: Friday 28th November 2003

 9.00 am: Registration                                     2.00 pm: Ex-offender/Church Agreement

 9.45 am: Welcome:                                       3.00 pm: Break

10.00 am: Worship                                        3.15 pm: Seminars

10.15 am: Alpha for Prisons                           4.30 pm: Tea

11.15 am: Coffee                                           4.50 pm: Questions and Answers

11.35 pm: Christians leaving  Prison                5.15 pm: The Way Forward

12.30 pm: Ministry                                         5.30 pm: Concluding Worship and Ministry

12.45 pm: Lunch/Networking/Stands              6.00 pm: Finish

During the lunch break there will be an opportunity to visit stands displaying information from a wide range of organisations that are involved with the work of Caring for ex-offenders as well as network with other churches in your area.

Seminars:-

      Discipleship and Support;                            Housing and Rehabilitation;
      Mentoring Ex-Offenders;                             Networking with other Organisations; 
      Understanding Drug Misuse;                        Working with Issues of Mental Health;
      Working with Sex Offenders;                       Working with Young Offenders.

You will only be able to attend one seminar, but all seminars will be taped.

 Speakers will include:

Sandy Millar; Vicar, Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB)
Nicky Gumbel, Alpha Chaplain HTB,
Paul Cowley, Director, Alpha for Prisons, HTB
Jonathan Aitken

The cost for the whole day is as follows:-

Standard individual rate £20.00 per person
Married Couple £35.00
Group of 5 or more £15.00 per person

Enquiries:
If  you have any further enquiries please contact: The Alpha/Events Department:
Tel: 020 7052 0445 Fax: 020 7460 6124 email: htbconferences@htb.org.uk

How to find Holy Trinity, Brompton:
Holy Trinity Brompton is located in Knightsbridge at the end of Cottage Place, just off the Brompton Road (A4) and behind the Brompton Oratory.

It is easily accessible by public transport, being equidistant from Knightsbridge and South Kensington Underground Stations. There is a frequent bus service which operates to and from King's Cross, Victoria and Putney. Taxis are easy to find on the Brompton Road.

Parking:
Please note that there is no parking available for delegates at Holy Trinity Brompton during the conference.

Children:
Unfortunately we do not have facilities to accommodate children or babies.

*Please advise us if you have a disability and are unable to use public transport.

 
Prisons
A full list of all the UK prisons, along with their address and telephone numbers.

Writing to Inmates
Considering writing to an inmate but not sure what to do, click here to find out.

Visiting inmates
Thought of visiting an inmate, but unsure? Here is some useful information.