Alpha in Prisons

Light in the darkness

Why run Alpha in Prisons?

Every person in prison has a story. Behind cell doors are men and women whose lives have been shaped by childhood trauma, domestic violence, addiction, time in care or missed chances at school and work. Prison can deepen that isolation. Some carry shame about the harm they’ve caused, feel unworthy of forgiveness and have quietly given up hope that life can change. Yet every one of them has dignity and a future worth fighting for.

Alpha meets people where they are. It gives chaplains and volunteers a practical, Spirit-led way to share the Gospel in prison. Those who choose to take part can explore the Christian faith without pressure, find community around a shared table and discover a hope that prison cannot take away. People in prison matter to God, and Alpha creates a space for them to encounter His love.

Asked what difference Alpha had made in their life, one participant in Western Australia wrote about finding a sense of purpose.

After years of questions and being lost with no light at the end of the tunnel, now my life has purpose. All the things I’ve been through—loss, trauma, heartbreak, addiction, abandonment—all is for a reason, all has meaning. Now I have security in who I am.

— Alpha participant, anonymous survey response

What one Western Australian prison course found

In 2026, True North Church ran an Alpha course in a Western Australian prison and asked participants to fill in a short survey at the end. Nineteen people answered. Here are some of the findings, in APCN’s own words.

Percentages are based on participants who answered each question.

• 19 of 19 felt cared for by the volunteers who hosted the course
• 19 of 19 said their attitude towards life was better after the course
• 100% said they built friendships with others on the course
• 89% said their relationships with others were better
• 89% said they were better able to deal with daily challenges
• 18 of 18 who answered would recommend the course to a friend