This year, we - the people at Prisoners Abroad - would love to introduce ourselves to you a little bit more. Throughout the year, we'll be sharing more about what we do and what it means to us to work for such a unique organisation. Look out for more stories here and by signing up to our mailing list to receive supporter emails from us. 

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By Meg Huntly, Fundraising and Communications Executive

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The stories of those we exist to support are woven into everything we do here at Prisoners Abroad; on our website, in these emails, and even in our financial reporting, where behind every number stands a person receiving our support.

We provide books, magazines, and newspapers to British people in prison all around the world, because we understand the power of a simple story in beating even the most painful isolation. Our children's materials include activity sheets for an imprisoned parent and their child to create a storybook together, because we know how important storytelling can be in maintaining meaningful connections. And our family and resettlement support groups give people a safe and non-judgemental space to share their own story with others who understand implicitly, relieving an often-hidden burden.

You might hear less about the stories of those behind the work of Prisoners Abroad. We are certainly not the focus of the organisation, but as a small charity of approximately 25 staff members, we are a passionate bunch who feel personally about the work we do. Across 2024, we would like to introduce ourselves to you. 

My name is Meg, and I have been working at Prisoners Abroad since April 2022. I am behind most of the emails arriving in your inbox every week, and I also design the supporter newsletter, update our website with news stories, blog posts and case studies, and manage the Prisoners Abroad social media accounts. I also look after our annual Christmas card scheme - and, in fact, it was seeing this on the website that first inspired me to put in an application to Prisoners Abroad, because I really admired how something so simple could make such a huge difference.

Last year, a parent who took part in the Christmas card scheme got in touch to say her son, in prison in the US, happened completely by chance to receive one of her cards - he knew because she always draws the same smiley face next to her name. It had obviously made her day - and it's hearing stories like this that make me very proud to be a part of the work of Prisoners Abroad.

Outside of Prisoners Abroad, I enjoy walking my dog, Flora (and generally trying to keep her out of trouble!), cooking, and yoga. I have also recently started volunteering for a homelessness charity in London as a part of their outreach team identifying rough sleepers and helping them into supported accommodation. I graduated with a degree in English Literature back in 2016, and am a big reader.

You'll be hearing from some of my colleagues as the year goes on, sharing a little bit more about themselves, what they do on a day-to-day basis, and what they love about being part of the Prisoners Abroad team.

We are also always keen to know what made you choose to join our fantastic community. Our supporter base is small but mighty, and full of people who truly understand what could seem to others to be an unpopular cause. If you would like to share a few sentences about why you support Prisoners Abroad, you can send me an email at [email protected].

Thank you, as always, for taking the time to keep up with our work!

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Being offered a lifeline can change everything. 

Prisoners Abroad translates human rights law into practical life-saving actions by providing prisoners access to vitamins and essential food, emergency medical care, freepost envelopes to keep in touch with home and books and magazines to help sustain mental health.

Can you help to support our life-saving work by donating today?

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