The Welcome Directory: Supporting people leaving prison

Stevie Hope hears why corps are working with The Welcome Directory to help people at a critical turning point.

You step out of the only life you’ve known for a decade, the fellowship in which you first found Christ. What now?

For many people, it can be daunting to leave prison. For some, it might have become their primary faith community. Suddenly, that’s gone. They’re on the threshold of a new start, but they’re stepping away from so much.

The Welcome Directory offers an opportunity for continuity. Distributed directly through chaplaincies, this resource – and the not-for profit organisation behind it – helps people find places of worship where they can belong after being released from prison.

‘Registering with the directory creates a clear pathway to connect with people at a critical turning point,’ explains Territorial Chaplaincy Officer Major Carl Huggins.

For Captain Theresa Torr (Swindon Gorse Hill), joining the directory was about intentionally positioning the corps as a place where everyone is accepted. While acknowledging that some people might have concerns around safety, she emphasises that the Army has its safeguarding policies, and these apply to every new arrival – no one should be treated differently because of their past.

‘My attitude is: he who is without sin can cast the first stone,’ Theresa reflects. ‘And that will not be me.’

Importantly, this stance of welcome shouldn’t stop at registering with the directory.

At Staines Corps, volunteer prison link Cath Maughan shares how prison leaver ministry is part of the weekly rhythm of serving people. Being on the route from HMP Bronzefield to Ashford Station, the corps is a key touchpoint for people heading to their probation destination.

Between herself, volunteers from other churches and organisations and Through the Gate Chaplain the Rev Simeon Sturney, there is always someone ready to be there for people leaving the women’s prison.

‘I go to the coffee shop just outside the prison,’ Cath explains, ‘and I wait there. When the women are released, if they want someone to walk with to the station, then I do that.

‘It’s a fairly straight route,’ she adds, ‘but some women have no idea where they are. They’ve come from somewhere else, they’re going to somewhere else. They’ve never been here before because they arrived in a prison van.’

It’s during this time walking together that a need might become apparent: ‘These shoes are rubbish!’ ‘My coat isn’t warm enough…’

Here, help can be offered.

‘I take them into the hall,’ Cath continues. ‘They can go into the cloakroom and choose a coat or shoes. We also have bags of toiletries and snacks to get them to their first destination. And they’re always welcome to sit and have a coffee.’

It might be daunting to consider what you could do to create opportunities to welcome people leaving prison, but The Welcome Directory can help.

‘Beyond offering practical community inclusion, signing up equips corps teams with specialised training and guidance, ensuring every welcome is grounded in care, confidence and compassion,’ Carl assures.

‘You just want to be there for everyone, and you don’t judge,’ Cath asserts. ‘Once they’re released from prison, they are like anyone else. And it’s our role – our Christian duty – to care for everyone the same.’

As the number of prisoners being released is set to increase in England and Wales under the government’s early release scheme, perhaps now, more than ever, we need to see the people, not their past.