God among us
 

The prison chaplaincy is the ears of the prison… the part of the prison that is more or less purely there to listen to, rather than watch prisoners.

Words of a prison officer, Cardiff Centre for Chaplaincy Studies, 2011

Winchester Prison’s managing chaplain is Reverend David Hinks who heads a team of multi-faith chaplains; an Imam, a Sikh minister and a Roman Catholic lay chaplain. 
 

“Many call on us because they want to come to terms with what they have done. A lot of our work is offering pastoral support and a new perspective.”

Sunday services are open to all prisoners, escorted by prison officers. 

“Some prisoners have shut-down emotionally and feel abandoned by society. Reassuring them that they matter in the eyes of God can make a huge difference to their outlook.”

Supporting the ‘broken’ is at the heart of David’s work.

"We’re here for the person, not for the crime. Many prisoners who have made victims of others have been badly hurt themselves by broken families and failed relationships, drug addiction, mental health and circumstance.”

David’s faith gives him – and others – hope for new beginnings.
 

“Sharing the Christian message is about reaching people as and where they are, showing them that faith can help and giving them hope for the future.”