Who we are
We are Pact, the Prison Advice and Care Trust, the national Catholic charity supporting prisoners, people with convictions, and their children and families. Our staff and volunteers provide caring and life-changing services at every stage of the criminal justice process: in court, in prison, on release, and in the community.

Our vision is of a society that understands justice as a process of restoration and healing, that uses prisons sparingly and as places of learning and rehabilitation, and that values the innate dignity and worth of every human being.

“A Christian understanding of dignity…challenges the criminal justice system at every level of its operation.” – Professor Anna Rowlands, Pact’s 2022 Sir Harold Hood Memorial Lecture

Our President
His Eminence Cardinal Vincent Nichols

Our Vice President
Archbishop John Wilson

Our CEO
Andy Keen-Downs

Our Faith in Action Team
Theresa Alessandro
Marie Norbury

Website:         www.prisonadvice.org.uk

Email:             parish.action@prisonadvice.org.uk

Why we exist
“I was in prison and you visited me” –  Matthew 25: 36

Our mission is to support prisoners and their families to make a fresh start and to minimise the harm that can be caused by imprisonment on people with convictions, on children, families and on communities.

“This work is a direct expression of our discipleship and a very concrete expression of our desire to serve the Lord in those who are most vulnerable.” –  Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Pact President

Our values are rooted in Catholic Social Teaching

• Human Dignity: we respect the innate dignity and worth of every human being, believing in the possibility of their rehabilitation and redemption, no matter what they have done.
• Common Good: we are innovative, developing models of working and best practice which may be mainstreamed by HMPPS and others to help build safer communities for everyone
• Solidarity: we believe in walking alongside those affected by imprisonment for whom life may be unbearably difficult but who are nevertheless part of ‘us’
• Subsidiarity: we consult and involve prisoners and their families; we work with volunteers and community and faith-based organisations; we harness the goodwill, skills and energies of like-minded people

“Prison is a place where love is needed most” – A prisoners’ family member

How you can help
Your parish or group can join a vibrant community of Pact supporters who share common values and a desire to help those affected by imprisonment to make a fresh start.

Pact’s Faith in Action team works with Catholic communities in dioceses, parishes, networks and organisations across England and Wales. We raise awareness of what life is like for prisoners and their families, and offer opportunities for individuals to put their faith into action.

• Be a Pact Parish Representative and help to keep prisoners and their families in the hearts and minds of the community: https://www.prisonadvice.org.uk/parish-representative
• Mark Prisoners’ Sunday on 8^th October 2023. Pray for, and with, people affected by the criminal justice system and organise a collection to support our work: https://www.prisonadvice.org.uk/prisoners-sunday
• Reflect more deeply on Catholic Social Teaching and the Common Good through the lens of the criminal justice system at a JustPeople workshop: https://www.prisonadvice.org.uk/justpeople-workshops
• Volunteer with Pact. We offer full training and support: https://www.prisonadvice.org.uk/volunteer

“A court volunteer from Pact helped us before sentencing. She told us […] loads of things I hadn’t thought of. My mind was so frazzled I don’t think I would have managed on my own.” – A defendant’s family member

• Make a regular or one-off donation, or consider a legacy gift, to support our work across England and Wales: https://www.prisonadvice.org.uk/donate

“ I associate Pact with positive change for prisoners in our society. I suggest you consider putting them on your list of people to support or add to the amount you give them already.” – A regular donor

Prisoners’ Families Helpline
Pact operates the Prisoners’ Families Helpline on behalf of HMPPS. Last year, our staff and volunteers responded to more than 2,800 calls each month.

Tel: 0808 808 2003 (Lines open Mon – Fri 9am – 8pm, Weekends & Bank Holidays 10am – 3pm)

Website: www.prisonersfamilies.org.uk

“The support I received was tailored to me and my needs. The team that dealt with me showed genuine empathy and understanding for my plight.” – Helpline caller