What does PFA’s support for prisoners hope to achieve?

The PFA provides friendship to people in prison by demonstrating that people care for them as people.  We do this through visiting and writing letters, sharing friendship, news about the world, and giving the support that a friend can give.
 

What is the experience of being a volunteer for PFA?

Being a PFA volunteer is about supporting another person in need, getting to know that person who is in very difficult circumstances but may still have a lot to offer in terms of stories, memories and humor. It can be frustrating, because of the limitations in the relationship, but ultimately can be a source of great satisfaction for the volunteer as well as the prisoner.
 

Which prisoners do PFA volunteers support?

PFA supports prisoners who do not have anyone else to visit them.  Their family may live overseas, have passed away, or they may be estranged from them.  With this condition we support prisoners of all nationalities, beliefs, ages and regardless of why they are in prison.
 

What form does PFA’s support take? 

PFA volunteers’ support is primarily through friendship, that is listening, talking and writing.  It is not a counselling or advice-giving relationship and there is no expectation that a PFA volunteer will provide any other assistance to the prisoner.  But within the limits of conversation and an ongoing trusting relationship, a special bond can develop that is very powerful for a person in prison and rewarding for the volunteer.
 

What are some of the challenges to being a friend to a prisoner?

Being a friend to someone in prison is challenging in many ways.  There are many limitations to what you can do for that person, given the prison rules and environment – and that may be frustrating for both of you.  Plus you will need to get to know the person you are supporting, and accept them as a person who may be challenging to know and support.
 
The PFA Executive Committee has a lot of experience and will always be there to support you with challenges as they come up. 
 

What is it like to visit a prison?

Prisons can be intimidating places, especially to new visitors. There are clear rules and the staff expect your co-operation in following them. For example, you may not take any personal items (such as mobile phones, food etc.) into the prison – lockers are provided. And you may need to wait for some time on arrival until the staff can arrange for you to meet the person you are visiting.
 
PFA visits are conducted in a private room, with a guard nearby. The meeting will be of fixed duration. 

You will find that the Correctional Services Staff value the work of the PFA and will be helpful to you. They are available to support you during your visit.
 

What is the minimum commitment required from a PFA volunteer? 

To provide proper support to prisoners we ask PFA volunteers to write and visit each prisoner they are assigned on average once a month. Volunteers can choose how many prisoners they wish to be assigned,
 

What are the key attributes needed to being a PFA volunteer?

PFA volunteers come from a wide range of backgrounds, do different jobs and are of various ages and cultures. Therefore there is no standard set of attributes to being a volunteer. However we find that PFA volunteers are generally good listeners, caring about people and society, and they are committed to making time to support people in their lives.
 

Who supports PFA volunteers?

The PFA has an Executive Committee of experienced volunteers. The Committee is always available to support volunteers in any aspect of their work. They also facilitate trainings and social activities so members can get to know one another in different forums. There is also a WhatsApp chat group for members to share non-confidential information and ideas.
 
The Correctional Services Department, through their Welfare Officers, also provide support to the PFA during their visits and on aspects of the wellbeing of individual prisoners. Volunteers can approach the CSD about issues of concern about any individual prisoner and PFA Executive Committee members can advise members on how to handle any issues that arise.
 

How does PFA work with the Correctional Services Department? 

The PFA and CSD have a longstanding and mutually respectful and supportive relationship. PFA was originally established with the support of CSD.  The PFA Executive Committee meets regularly with CSD to discuss aspects of the relationship, and has appointed a senior CSD officer as an advisor to our NGO.
 
PFA respects the CSD in its work and does not attempt to challenge or undermine its mandate in any way at any time.  Although PFA may raise matters for the attention of CSD it is not a lobbying group and does not request any special privileges for its members or the prisoners it has contact with.