Hope Behind Bars: The Transformative Work of Prison Fellowship Scotland

In a world where prison walls often symbolize despair, one charity is rewriting the story from within. Prison Fellowship Scotland, a Christian charity operating across every prison in Scotland, is sowing seeds of hope, healing, and restoration not just for those behind bars, but for their families and communities too. From Bible studies and restorative justice programmes to Christmas parties that reunite children with incarcerated parents, their work goes far beyond the expected.

But what really happens inside the walls? How are lives being transformed? And what does hope look like for someone wearing a prison uniform?

In a compelling conversation with a dedicated staff member at Prison Fellowship Scotland, to shed light on the heart behind the mission. What follows is an inspiring and deeply human look at what prison ministry really means.

Q: For those unfamiliar with Prison Fellowship Scotland, what do you do?

Riona: We work in all the prisons across Scotland. Our core activities include Bible studies, Alpha, Christianity Explored, and restorative justice courses. We also engage in letter writing programmes, where around 50 people in prison correspond with people on the outside. Beyond the prison walls, we organise fundraising efforts around Christmas and summer holidays to support families affected by imprisonment.

Q: That sounds quite extensive. How did you personally get involved?

Riona:Great question. I’ve always had a strong passion for prison reform and doing prisons better. If you look at the Bible and how God speaks about love, justice, and people in prison, it’s clear that today’s prison system often lacks the element of restoration. That’s the heart of Prison Fellowship to offer hope, transformation, and care. That vision is what drew me in.

Q: Can you paint a picture of what a typical day or visit looks like?

Riona: It really varies. One part of my role is coordinating our letter-writing programme. Another part of my week is spent inside HMP Barlinnie, Scotland’s biggest prison, every Thursday. There, I run faith-based courses we just wrapped up a Christianity Explored course and are gearing up for another. It depends on the day and the facility, but whether I’m in the office doing communications or inside the prison walls, every day is purposeful.

Q: Impact is a big theme in this kind of work. What does impact look like for you?

Riona: It’s about life change and that can take many forms. Sometimes it’s someone realising, during a course, that God loves and forgives them. Other times, it’s a child being able to celebrate Christmas with their incarcerated parent for the first time in years receiving a present that the parent helped provide through our programmes. These moments may seem small, but they’re huge in the journey of healing and restoration.

Q: We often hear that prison can be a turning point. Do you see stories of people finding faith or transformation while incarcerated?

Riona: Absolutely all the time. Many people have told us that going to prison was the best thing that ever happened to them, because it was in that stillness and brokenness that they found Jesus. One man told us, “I now know there was a reason I came here because I met Christ.”

That kind of encounter changes everything, and we’re privileged to witness it.

Q: What happens after someone leaves prison? Is there any follow-up or reintegration support?

Riona: Prison Fellowship Scotland itself doesn’t handle post-release support directly, but we work closely with partner charities like Junction 42 and Bethany Christian Trust’s Connect to Community. They specialise in aftercare visiting inmates before their release, meeting them at the gate, and helping with housing or settling back into society. We believe in partnership, not duplication. If someone is doing it well, we support them.

Q: If someone wants to get involved perhaps through their church, volunteering, or prayer; how can they do that?

Riona: There are so many ways to support this work. You can pray, volunteer, or give. If your church is looking for ways to serve, prison ministry is a powerful and often overlooked opportunity. You can connect with us via social media (Facebook, Instagram, X) or visit our website at www.pfscotland.org.

Q: Any final thoughts or something you wish people understood about prison ministry?

Riona: I’d say this: prison ministry is not just about the person inside the cell. It’s about families, communities, and eternal hope. It’s easy to judge people by their past, but our mission is to remind them and the world that no one is beyond redemption. If you’re even slightly moved by this work, just take the next step, however small. It matters.

Conclusion

Do you know someone affected by imprisonment, a friend, a relative, or maybe even yourself? You’re not alone, and you are not beyond hope.

Prison Fellowship Scotland is here to walk that journey with you. They’re offering more than services they’re offering a second chance.

To learn more, volunteer, or simply connect, visit www.pfscotland.org.

Or send us an email: info@heartsonglive.co.uk with the tag “prison fellowship scotland”

Listen to the Full Discussion Here:

“Excerpts from interview held by Omosola Fiberesima at refuel festival 2024”