Bringing the Outside In: Official Prison Visiting
For many prisoners, life behind bars means more than just physical confinement. It’s a world of isolation—especially for those without family, friends, or anyone to visit them. This lack of contact from the outside world can take a toll on mental health, leaving individuals feeling forgotten, disconnected, and hopeless.
Imagine spending days, weeks, even years without a single friendly face or a kind word from beyond the prison walls. For those already grappling with difficult pasts and complex challenges, this isolation can deepen feelings of despair and loneliness. Without someone to listen, to care, or to simply be there, these individuals are left to face their struggles in silence.
You can change this. As an Official Prison Visitor, you have the power to “bring the outside in.” By volunteering your time to visit prisoners, you’ll provide a vital lifeline—offering companionship, understanding, and a reminder that they are not forgotten.
You don’t need to be a therapist or solve their problems. All you need is a calm demeanor, good listening skills, and a genuine interest in connecting with others. Your presence alone can make an extraordinary difference.
Official Prison Visitors is a secular organization of dedicated volunteers who have been visiting prisoners across the UK for over a century. We believe in the importance of human connection and the positive impact it has on mental health and rehabilitation.
Visits typically take place on weekday afternoons on the prison wings, after vetting, security checks, and training. Becoming an official visitor opens the door to a unique and rewarding experience—supporting someone in one of the most challenging environments imaginable.
Are you ready to make a real difference?
Take the first step today.
Join us in helping prisoners reconnect with the world, one visit at a time.