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Alpha for Prisons
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The Alpha course has been successfully run in all types of prisons and correctional institutions for both men and women and has also been used in young offender institutions. Prison chaplains, officers, volunteers from local churches running Alpha and members of other organisations are running Alpha courses in prisons.
Worldwide, Alpha has run in the prisons of 40 countries, and more than 21,000 man and women have completed an Alpha course in prison.
Who can run it?
Prison Chaplaincy
Alpha for Prisons is run by both single denomination and ecumenical Chaplaincy teams. Chaplaincies have found it positive to run Alpha as an ecumenical course for the different denominations. A range of different follow-up materials and courses are available for this purpose.
The prison Chaplain, with the Site Manager’s authority, gives permission for volunteers, properly approved by the Department of Corrections, to run Alpha.
Local church
Churches often provide speakers, leaders and helpers for the Alpha course in their local prison. It is essential that those running the course work closely within the regulations of the prison, so that they do not jeopardise the relationship with the prison authorities or put anyone at risk.
Officers
Prison officers may run Alpha courses for prisoners and for fellow colleagues in their prison.
Christian organisations
Various Christian organisations, such as the Salvation Army and Prison Fellowship, help run Alpha courses in prisons as part of their outreach.
Inmates on wings
Prisoners are often the best at reaching fellow prisoners and inviting them on a course. Some chaplaincies may want to encourage groups of prisoners to run Alpha for those on their wing interested in finding out about the Christian faith.
7 Steps to a successful course
In New Zealand
So far, The Alpha Course has been run in the following New Zealand prisons:
- Northland Region Corrections Facility - Ngawha
- Auckland Regional Womens Correctional Facility
- Auckland (Paremoremo) Prison
- New Plymouth Prison
- Wanganui Prison
- Manawatu Prison
- Rimutaka Prison
- Arohata Prison
- Christchurch Mens Prison
Volunteers for Alpha for Prison visiting
New volunteers are required to undertake mandatory Health and Safety briefing and site induction before commencing their duties in prison. Details may be obtained of the arrangements to be followed by contacting the Regional Volunteer Coordinator
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CONTACT
ALPHA FOR PRISONS ADVISER
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Audrey MoonlightAlpha for Prisons Adviser, Prison Fellowship |
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Lorne CampbellAlpha for Prisons Adviser |