Prison Outreach

As part of our wider vision, Proclaim Trust is committed to reaching out to prisoners. Our Prison Outreach Project consists of five components: sending copies of ‘Once an Addict’ into prisons for prisoners, writing to prisoners, holding events in HMPs and YOIs, providing video content for chaplains to use and running our Your Story Reframed for Prisoners course.

In 2007, we launched an initiative to send a copy of Barry’s autobiography, ‘Once an Addict’, to every prisoner in the UK, free of charge. We have, to date, raised funds and sent out 54,000 copies to prisoners, which leaves 37,400 to send!

During this time, we have received many letters from prisoners who have been impacted by Barry’s story. Barry has responded to each letter.

Barry also gets to meet prisoners face-to-face when he speaks in prisons. Each year, the Trust organises approximately 60 events throughout the UK in prisons and YOIs. These are in partnership with the prison chaplaincies or with recovery organisations.

In 2020, when covid impacted gatherings everywhere, we started providing pre-recorded video talks that could be streamed into prison cells. We still provide content that gets streamed into the cells of UK jails.

In 2022, we piloted our Your Story Reframed course for prisoners. This is now being rolled out in prisons throughout the UK and is now accredited by Cliff College.

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Prison Letters

Over the years, we have received many letters from inmates throughout the UK. Please read some extracts taken from those letters below.

I'm just writing to say how good your book is. I've been in prison now for just under 7 years and the only time I read is when I'm in the block (solitary confinement). But your book has got to be the best book I've read... I've read it 3 times. It's had me laughing, crying but most of all, it's got me praying and reading my Bible. As soon as I read it, I became a clean man. And every time I think about the brown (heroin) I look at your book, and it keeps me strong.
INMATE - HMP ASHFIELD
I was given your book Once an Addict by a fellow inmate. Your book really inspired me, and I felt God telling me to write to you, and to thank you for sharing your story and life. It is a testament that God is alive and can really change lives.
INMATE - HMP LOW MOSS
Before I came here, things were getting worst and worst. But when I arrived, I believed it was God's plan. Reading your book has helped me to see how it is God's plan because if I wasn't here, I would have never read it or come across it. I think God brought me to your book, and now I can see that God can really help me.
INMATE - HMP LIVERPOOL
I don't know why I'm writing you this letter, but for some reason, I just wanted to tell you that your book has made me want to read the Bible.
INMATE - HMP WINCHESTER
I’m writing to say I loved your book. It gives me hope for the future. I really love God and I want more out of life. When I finished your book, the next morning I went to see the doctor to take me off my methadone…
INMATE - HMP MANCHESTER
I thought that I would write to you after reading your book. I take my hat off to you - it was a great read, and I don't usually read books. In fact, this is only the third book I have read in my entire life. I'm 34... I do believe there is a God, and your book has helped me.
INMATE - HMP LIVERPOOL
Barry, I have just put down your book, and as I was reading it, I had to write. I am 24 and I feel I have a connection with you. I am an addict who is on methadone. I hate what I've become. I've lost everything. Barry, I really wanted to say that you're an inspiration for everyone, even people like us, and I'm glad I had the opportunity to write you a letter. I hope my life turns out like yours makes me a better person.
INMATE - HMP GLENOCHIL
I read your book and I was amazed at how much your life had changed and for the better. I have always wanted to learn about God and Christianity... I want to change my life round like you did and I want to learn about being a Christian.
INMATE - HMP HINDLEY
Your book is amazing! I have just finished reading it. I have been asking and talking to people about your book and it seams as if everybody in Dovegate has read it. I have been inspired so much that I have asked to speak to the chaplain... I don't know how you pulled yourself out, but you did. You're living proof that it can be done... Barry you have given me hope... If you say there is a God, then I believe you.
INMATE - HMP DOVEGATE
I desperately need to change my ways, and I need my family to be proud of me... It has meant a lot to me by reading your book. I have prayed out of the prayer on page 198. And now I'm going to start doing the three things you mention to move on in my journey...
INMATE - HMP HIGH DOWN
Your book 'Once an Addict' and the prayer at the back of the book has changed my life forever. I was reborn by the Holy Spirit. I even marked the date in my diary.
INMATE - HMP AKLINGTON
I had the good fortune to pick up your book, 'Once an Addict'. Out of all the books, I could have picked up yours was the one that caught my attention. The prayer of page 198 is very appropriate to me as I have realised by being in prison that God has given me another chance to a brand new start.
INMATE - HMP SWANSEA
I want to be part of God's life. I believe in God but I don't really know much about him. I have started to study the Bible. I am at the lowest point in my life right now and I'm asking for help from you to teach me about Christianity and to let God into my life.
INMATE - HMYOI HINDLEY
I have just finished reading your book Once an Addict and WOW what can I say... just reading your book inspired hope in me for I know God is by my side!
INMATE - HMP HIGHDOWN
I have just read your book 'Once an Addict, and I felt like this book really meant something to me... To finish this letter, I read aloud the prayer in your book, and also I'm also going to pray for you.
INMATE - HMP WOODHILL
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