Women in Prison Limited

Women in Prison Limited (Charity number: 1118727) is a UK-based national charity dedicated to supporting women affected by the criminal justice system. The organisation works to reduce the number of women in prison and to mitigate the harm caused by imprisonment, focusing on addressing the gender inequalities experienced by women in the criminal justice system.

Mission and Objectives

Women in Prison aims to provide direct information, advice, and support services to women in prison and those leaving custody. The charity also campaigns to change policies and practices that disproportionately affect women within the justice system, advocating for alternatives to custody and a more gender-sensitive approach to justice. Their work includes providing holistic, gender-specialist, and trauma-informed support designed to build self-esteem, confidence, and peer support networks among women impacted by imprisonment.

Activities and Services

The organisation offers a range of services that support women both in prison and after release, including:

• Practical support and advocacy to help women navigate health and well-being needs.
• Through-the-gate support to assist women on the day of their release.
• Workshops and information sessions addressing topics such as mental health, substance misuse, nutrition, and stress management.
• Peer support and confidence-building programs to enable women to rebuild their lives and prevent reoffending.

One of their notable projects, Healthy Foundations, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, provides health-related community and through-the-gate support to women in and around London, focusing on long-term systems change for women with multiple health and social needs.

Structure and Governance

Women in Prison Limited is governed by a board of trustees and employs around 59 staff members. The charity’s leadership includes professionals dedicated to its mission of supporting women in and affected by the justice system.

Financial Information

For the financial year ending 31 March 2024, Women in Prison reported a total income of approximately £3.37 million, largely derived from government contracts and grants. The charity’s expenditure was about £3.05 million, with the majority spent on charitable activities aimed at supporting women in the criminal justice system.

Impact and Recognition

Women in Prison has become a key voice in raising awareness about the specific challenges faced by women in prison in England and Wales. Their campaigning work includes calls to end the criminalisation of survivors of domestic abuse and to promote alternatives to custody that consider the unique circumstances of women offenders. The charity also publishes a magazine led by and for women affected by the criminal justice system, offering a platform for stories, artwork, and debate.

Geographic Reach

The charity operates throughout England and Wales, delivering services and advocacy aimed at improving the lives of women who come into contact with the criminal justice system.

Women in Prison Limited continues to be a vital organisation addressing the intersection of gender and justice, striving for systemic change and providing essential support to some of the most vulnerable women in society.

[1] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regId=1118727&subId=0 [2] https://womeninprison.org.uk [3] https://womeninprison.org.uk/support/our-support [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/4021357/what-who-how-where [5] https://www.clinks.org/partnership-finder/45922