Prisoners Abroad was formed as the National Council for the Welfare of Prisoners Abroad in 1978 and registered as a charity on 24th April 1980.

We changed our name and became Prisoners Abroad in 2002. Here are some key moments from our history supporting British people affected by overseas imprisonment. 

1978

National Council for the Welfare of Prisoners Abroad formed by Joe Parham, Craig Feehan and Chris Cheal. Initially based in a spare office of Release.

1980

Incorporated as a charity for the first time.

Craig Feehan Fund (CFF) is set up to provide survival grants for overseas prisoners. 

We authored a report alongside Release, titled “Prisoner Transfer Treaties – How and why”, advocating the importance of this much-needed policy development.

1983

First paid members of staff employed. Until this time all work was done entirely by volunteers.

1984

Enabling legislation was passed opening the way to British participation in the Council of Europe Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons.

1986

The first transferred prisoners returned to the UK.  

1987

Handshake logo used for the first time. This has undergone several transformations over the years, but remains a powerful symbol of the non-judgemental support we offer to those who are held behind bars.

1989

First issue of our Newsletter was produced. Written by and for prisoners, it is often their only outlet for Britons held overseas to tell their story. It is also an outlet for their creative talents, publishing poetry and pictures in every issue.

1990

Medical fund set up. This vital fund pays for emergency health treatment needed by Brits held overseas. Since 1991 it has helped hundreds of people, providing treatment for serious conditions such as cancer, diabetes and HIV / AIDS.

The FCDO (or the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, as it was called then) began automatically referring British nationals detained abroad to Prisoners Abroad, showing the important partnership that had been developed in the years leading up to this.   

1994

The FCDO produced their first leaflet for prisoners about consular services and gave details of Prisoners Abroad. 

1995

Vitamin Fund launched. This fund provides essential vitamins to Britons held in those countries where prison authorities provide insufficient nutritional food to survive.

1998

Thanks to a grant from the National Lottery, we set up our Resettlement Service, to help Britons returning to the UK after a period of imprisonment overseas. Initially called Aftercare, this service today helps hundreds of people every year to avoid homelessness and start the process of re-training, finding work, and leading a new life free of crime.

2002

Family freephone number launched. For the first time, relatives and friends can get support free of charge. Today, we receive thousands of calls from people needing someone to talk to, who won’t judge their loved one, and who can provide practical advice and expertise. If you would like to speak to someone, call 0808 172 0098 now. (Lines open 9:30-5pm Monday Friday).

We recruited our first human rights advisor, seconded into the FCDO – a role that continues to this day. 

2006

Prisoners Abroad received a commendation from the Metropolitan Police for “diligence and commitment to the resettlement and successful integration of offenders, and enhancing public safety throughout London and beyond”. This is recognition of the often unsung work we do with those coming out of prison, to help keep Londoners safe.

2007

Prisoners Abroad wins the Longford Prize. The judges praised our “determination, humanity and courage in the face of public indifference and hostility”. We were also shortlisted for the Una Padel Awards and received New Year Honours – OBE.

2008

Prisoners Abroad were shortlisted for the Justice Awards and the Andy Ludlow Homelessness Awards.

2009

This year Prisoners Abroad were shortlisted for the Prisoner Action Net Awards.

2010

A fantastic achievement: Prisoners Abroad wins the Guardian Public Service Awards – Carers, Families & Communities

2012

Shortlisted for the Charity Times Award: Charity of the Year £1m – £10m, and Charity Principal of the Year.

2013

Prisoners Abroad celebrates 35 years of providing support to some of the most vulnerable and forgotten people.

2016

Prisoners Abroad move offices – our dedicated centre for resettlement is completed.

Charity Staff and Volunteer Awards – Adrian Bailey shortlisted.

2017

Prisoners Abroad came second for the London Homelessness Awards (LHA), winning a financial prize of £20,000.

2018

Our 40th anniversary year.

2020

The Covid-19 pandemic struck and, like many other organisations, Prisoners Abroad had to adapt. We moved our in-person services online so we could continue providing much-needed support throughout the lockdowns.

2023

Pauline Crowe retired after 20 years as Chief Executive of Prisoners Abroad. Christopher Stacey joined the organisation as the new Chief Executive, having previously held roles at Clinks and Unlock.

We publish the first edition of the Cheal report.

2024

We join REDRESS in campaigning for a legal right to consular assistance.

Prisoners Abroad wins the 2024 highly commended Robin Corbett Award.