FAQs
Find clear answers to common questions about UK prisons, CPR’s ministry, volunteering, and how you or your church can get involved.
FAQs
1. How many prisons are there in the UK?
As of 2024, there are approximately 120 prisons in the United Kingdom, including facilities in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. These include public, private, male, female, youth, and open prisons.
2. How many Christian prison ministries are there in the UK?
There are dozens of Christian organisations involved in prison ministry across the UK. Some focus on chaplaincy, others on aftercare, Bible distribution, or mentoring. The largest are Prison Fellowship, Prison Advice and Care Trust (PACT), Christian Prison Resourcing (CPR) and Day Light .
3. What makes Christian Prison Resourcing (CPR) unique?
CPR is distinct in a number of ways. We combine in-cell discipleship resources, trained associates, and a local church partnership model. Over 10% of Free Church prison chaplains in the UK are CPR associates. Our emphasis is not only on Gospel proclamation inside prisons, but also on equipping churches to support resettlement and long-term transformation on the outside. Finally we believe in the expository Bible method, allowing scripture, in context to transform lives.
4. How many prisoners are there in the UK?
As of early 2024, the UK prison population is around 87,000 people. This number fluctuates slightly based on sentencing and release rates.
5. How many prisoners are men and how many are women?
Approximately 95% of prisoners in the UK are men, while women make up about 5% of the prison population. This equates to roughly 82,500 men and 4,500 women in custody.
6. Why should Christians be involved in prison ministry?
Scripture calls believers to remember and serve those who are imprisoned.
“Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” – Hebrews 13:3
Prison ministry is a tangible expression of Christ’s compassion and a powerful way to see the Gospel transform lives in some of the most forgotten corners of society.
7. How many people volunteer with CPR?
Currently, over 40 volunteers actively serve in CPR-supported prisons across the country. These volunteers assist with Bible studies, in-cell correspondence courses, pastoral support, and mentoring—each playing a vital role in delivering hope through the gospel.
8. How can I get involved?
Support CPR by praying regularly, becoming a church partner, giving financially, or volunteering in prisons. Each role plays a vital part in bringing the Gospel to detainees.
You can find out more here.