We're back with another staff story, this time from Chiara, our Fundraising Assistant. Chiara studied for degrees in Human Rights and in Fundraising prior to joining the team. She talks about her role and the discoveries she has made since starting in 2024.

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My name is Chiara, and I have been working at Prisoners Abroad for just over a year now. When I look back on this first year, the first words that come to mind are a beautiful discovery.

Before joining the team, I had never even heard of Prisoners Abroad. Despite studying Human Rights, I didn’t know about the complexity of its work and the very real and difficult circumstances that British citizens can find themselves in when they are imprisoned overseas. When I applied for the job, I was curious but unsure of what I was stepping into. I could never have imagined the impact it would have on me, both professionally and personally.

I joined as the Fundraising Assistant. My role involves processing donations, thanking supporters, managing queries, keeping everything organised, and working alongside the finance team to reconcile income. I also get involved in fundraising activities and events. On paper, this might sound fairly routine, maybe even less exciting than what people expect when they picture charity work. But the truth is, these small, everyday tasks carry so much meaning.

Behind every donation I process, there is a story of kindness.

Every phone call from a supporter is a reminder that people care deeply about helping others. Even the details in a spreadsheet aren’t just numbers but they represent compassion, love, and solidarity this is what motivates me every single day.

I’m not on the frontline of service delivery, but I’ve had the privilege to see the impact of our work with clients. And sometimes, it’s the smallest gestures that matter most. Something as simple as a birthday card, a book, or a newsletter can bring light and hope to someone who is facing one of the darkest periods of their life. These humble and small acts remind people that they haven’t been forgotten, that they still matter, and that there are people out there thinking of them.

Working here has been a journey of learning and opening my eyes to issues that aren’t often talked about.

Imprisonment overseas is not something many of us think about day to day, yet it can happen to anyone. The challenges are enormous: isolation, language barriers, lack of basic necessities, but the humanity of our supporters and the dedication of our team show me every day that change and support are possible.

There is something very special about knowing that, in some way, I am contributing to making a difference. It might not always be visible, and sometimes it’s hidden in the background tasks, but it all connects to the bigger picture of helping people survive and find dignity in the most difficult circumstances.

Looking back on this past year, I feel grateful for what I have learned, for the people I have met, and for the chance to be part of this mission. What started as just a job has truly become a discovery of humanity and compassion.

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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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