Many people have family or friends in prison and, for one reason or another, are not able to get there to visit them.
Arena Community has a team of volunteers who take the time to visit individuals in local prisons. They are able to console and talk to those who may not have anyone visit them whilst they serve their sentence.
We have contact with former foodbank clients who may be in prison, giving the individual a friendly face to talk and confide in. Alongside this we have a group of penpals who write to prisoners, discussing the news and hobbies. Most become true friends and often support each other when the prisoner is released.
59% of prisoners re-offend in the first 12 months after their release – our aim is to give them hope whilst they are in prison and help them with not reoffending when they are released.