The Prison Awareness Course helps you to increase your knowledge, understanding and capacity for welcoming prison leavers appropriately.
Across the three 90 minute sessions you will:
- Examine and challenge your pre-existing beliefs and preconceptions around prison leavers and the criminal justice system.
- Explore lived experience by engaging and listening to the story of prison leavers
- Have a safe space for open discussions around topics such as safeguarding
- Receive signposting advice to support services and organisations.
- Connect with individuals across faith communities and those working across the social justice sector, such as Chaplaincy.
Run over three consecutive Thursdays - 6, 13 and 20 October 2026, from 7.00pm on Zoom.
Outline and Aims of the Course
Session 1: Allows you to explore your pre-existing ideas about prison and people who leave prison
Session 2: Gives you the opportunity to engage in conversations with prison leavers and prison chaplains to explore the role of faith in the journey through the gates.
Session 3: Explores the rich benefits of engagement with faith communities by celebrating the power of connection, support and acceptance. It also offers insights into common concerns surrounding safeguarding and expectations.
For faith and belief communities who have registered or intending to register, there is no charge for this course, although we would appreciate a donation towards the cost of the course. Organisations affiliated with The Welcome Directory are also entitled to free spaces (please email admin@welcomedirectory.org.uk to receive the code for your free tickets.) For individuals who are not part of a faith/belief community that has or intends to register, or part of an affiliate organisation, the cost is just £30. Please select the paid ticket option.