The Prison Phoenix Trust

We are indebted to our team of 15 volunteers without whom the work of the Trust could not be carried on. They are active in writing to prisoners under the supervision and guidance of a staff member who is experienced in both the daily practice of the disciplines we recommend and in working with prisoners as part of her regular work giving prison workshops.

Volunteers and staff use a PPT letter-writer's manual for inmate correspondence, which we wrote specifically to show relevant and creative ways to encourage prisoners in their meditation practice, while laying down boundaries for safety in volunteers' contacts with prisoners.

The volunteers remain the powerhouse for sending out our books, tapes, CDs and the newsletters, and in addition, they help us maintain an up-to-date database. Some volunteers work in the office, but others write from home working closely with Trust staff.

A volunteers' meeting

Volunteers have their own training and support meetings, which we run. Last year we held two training workshops days for volunteers. We also arrange occasional prison visits for volunteer groups to give them first hand knowledge of prison conditions.

If you have a mature silent meditation practice, live in Oxford, and wish to join our volunteers team, please get in touch with us by mail at our contact address.