Promoting reading and reading groups in prison
‘When I read a book it gives me the chance to escape into another world. I love the group because it’s great to share that world with other people.’
We wanted to tell the story of how books offer solace and connection both inside and outside prison. People rarely remember that prisoners are parents too. We chose My Name is Leon by Kit de Waal, who has previously supported our project, as it is a story that resonates with many prisoners. It is published by Penguin Random House, who supply books for our projects and are one of our key partners.
Directed by Davy Lazare and produced by Tolu Stedford. With thanks to actors Ralph and Rebecca Ineson, and to LAMDA for providing the space.
About PRG
Prison Reading Groups was set up in 1999 to help start, fund and support reading groups in prisons. Since 2017 it has been part of registered charity Give a Book.
In 2023 we ran 84 reading groups in over 60 prisons nationwide and supplied over 5000 books.
We support family reading initiatives in over 60 prisons with books, workshops and volunteers.
We provide resources to promote the library and encourage reading for pleasure throughout the prison.
In 2023, Sarah Turvey and Jenny Hartley were awarded OBEs in the King’s Birthday Honours for their services to prisoners.
In March 2022, Sarah Turvey and Jenny Hartley became the 1870th & 1871st Points of Light recipients, for founding Prison Reading Groups.
In October 2019, Prison Reading Groups was awarded The Longford Prize for Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Prison Reform.
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