How prisoners apply
I realise that I'm not alone and don't have to be. A letter from a stranger put the smile back on my face. Looking forward instead of back
One third of the people we support find out about us after a recommendation from another prisoner. As well as referrals from prisoners, prison staff and chaplains, we also advertise our service through our subsidiary Inside Time, the national newspaper for prisoners.
It is most unlikely that anyone who wants to apply for a New Bridge Befriender will be able to access this website – if you know of someone who doesn’t receive any letters or visits please download and give them our leaflet.
All we need to know is their name, the prison they’re residing in, their identity number and that they consent to being referred to New Bridge. We’ll write to them and send their Offender Management Unit a form to be completed, signed and verified.
Although it can take time to identify a suitable befriender, we’ll keep in touch through letters and cards. Once we have allocated a New Bridge befriender they will write and introduce themselves. Once befriender and befriendee feel they have got to know each other better (usually after about 6 months) they can arrange a visit.
If you work in a prison and would like to discuss how we can help you advertise our service in your prison, please get in touch at info@newbridgefoundation.org.uk
I applied to New Bridge because I was highly isolated and I felt nobody cares for me because I am in prison. . . . Being in prison affected my mental health and wellbeing until I contacted New Bridge. I was assigned to a positively minded person who writes to me and sends me cards and tries her very best to visit me. This all really boosts my self esteem and improved emotionally