Prison chaplain program bringing hope to those who feel forgotten

With more than 30 chaplains operating across the state, now is your chance to help Inside Out Prison Chaplaincy continue their good work with the Chaplains Appeal 2021.

Inside Out Prison Chaplains were a breath of fresh air in a dark place for Sammy.

Going inside Queensland’s jails to bring messages of love, faith and support to people who feel forgotten, Carinity’s Inside Out Prison Chaplaincy service now needs your help.

With more than 30 volunteer chaplains going into prisons across Queensland, co-ordinator Myles Waldron said the Chaplains Appeal fundraiser was an opportunity for the community to help them continue their good work.

“During Covid it was difficult time for inmates in lockdown, they didn’t receive family visitors period of time but chaplains were allowed in, and in stage 3 lockdown for a period of time even chaplains were not allowed in,” Mr Waldron said.

“When there was no family visits the need for chaplains was greater, it was probably a little more intense and the demand to have a chat with someone was higher because that’s what they missed, contact with family and friends. The need to talk about things is so important for their mental health.”

Mr Waldron said chaplains were well respected and welcomed within the prison system, even if it is to provide a listening ear.

“Our chaplains seed a plant as I call it, they provide good conversation around positive attitude and approach to life.

“They flip the script and look at what page are they reading and what page do they need to read from moving forward. They have those conversations around recognising the past and looking at the future in a more fruitful way for themselves and their family.”

Inside Out Prison Chaplains were a breath of fresh air in a dark place for Sammy.

One person who turned their life around with the help of a prison chaplain was Sammy, who grew up in a violent home and was abused regularly until, at the age of 15, he finally left home. By that stage he was already addicted to drugs and pornography.

By the age of 18 he was drinking a cask of wine a day to try and drown out the voices that tormented him.

Before long, his addictions and the need to fund them led him to commit a number of armed robberies and he was imprisoned.

Prison chaplains became a breath of fresh air in a dark place for Sammy. During his second visit to prison, he handed over his life to God.

“Finding God in prison was the best thing that ever happened to me. He had been walking with me the whole time and led me to a place of repentance,” Sammy said.

Today, Sammy is “outside” and studying a Diploma of Counselling so he can fulfil his calling to shepherd others. He is in a positive relationship and is looking forward to fulfilling his dream of marriage and family.

Without the intervention of prison chaplains, Sammy’s story may have ended quite differently.

By donating to the Carinity Chaplains Appeal, you can help fund the work of Inside Out prison chaplains in 14 correctional centres across Queensland – ensuring men and women in prisons are not forgotten by society.

You can support the Chaplains Appeal by donating online or by calling [phone].