New Bridge

Anita is now officially halfway through her to walk 70 miles in June - and as we're officially halfway through the month we think that makes perfect pacing!
Congratulations on your progress so far, Anita, and we're so pleased you're enjoying getting out and exploring nature on your walks 😊
https://gofund.me/a036a259f

A lovely letter received in the office this morning from one our service users - praising not only the support he has received from his befriender ('a lifeline') but all of our fantastic
We couldn't agree more 😊
You can find out more about as a befriender for an isolated person in here: https://www.newbridgefoundation.org.uk/what-does-volunteering-look-like

Peter has written the review for the last of his 7 books as part of his reading challenge - The Truth About Prisons: Prisoners, Professionals and Families Speak Out, by Richard W Hardwick. Thank you Peter for all your efforts on your challenge, and for giving us so many book recommendations 😊

He says "It was such a powerful book using the voices of so many to communicate a range of views and experiences on key areas of prison life. I would recommend this book to any new volunteer to gain a wider understanding of people in prison, professionals and families."

You can read the review of this, and the other 6 books, here: https://www.newbridgefoundation.org.uk/blog/peters-70th-anniversary-reading-challenge

To mark we took a look at our data for 2025. Last year our fantastic volunteers...

📮sent 4,629 letters

📧and 2,687 emails

☎️held 724 phone calls, and

🤝went on 342 prison visits

Our give so much to our and we are so grateful for the contribution of each and every one of them! 🤩

If you are interested in joining our community of wonderful volunteers then you can find out more and apply online: https://www.newbridgefoundation.org.uk/what-does-volunteering-look-like

We're kicking off this year's with an enormous THANK YOU to our wonderful community of who give so much time, energy and compassion to their befriending roles, making a difference to isolated people in every day!

Peter has finished his latest review - of Sandra Camila's 'Ayyy Gov': Surviving the Prison Service as a Black Female Prison Officer.

Read his review at: https://www.newbridgefoundation.org.uk/blog/peters-70th-anniversary-reading-challenge

"The role of a female black prison officer came with many challenges as she tried to be herself in a male dominated environment. Talking to the men in prison, being friendly but not a friend, smiling and listening to break down barriers to gain trust and a greater understanding of the men’s needs. Her aim was to be more initiative-taking to the men’s needs rather than just being reactive, as was the norm of the culture on the prison wing. Quiet conversation not shouting, listening and understanding not control of rules and procedures."

Anita, one of our lovely has taken on a challenge to walk 70 miles in June - one mile for each year New Bridge has been befriending people in . Thanks Anita! 😊

Could you share her page to help encourage her as she gets started?

Donate to New Bridge Foundation. Tackling isolation and loneliness!, organized by Anita Douglas This June, I’m walking 70 miles to support the New Bridge Foun… Anita Douglas needs your support for New Bridge Foundation. Tackling isolation and loneliness!

Peter's latest review as part of his reading challenge is 'The Prison Doctor: Women Inside' by Dr Amanda Brown.

"These personal narratives offer insight into why people end up in prison, including domestic abuse, socioeconomic hardship, and substance abuse disorders."

https://www.newbridgefoundation.org.uk/blog/peters-70th-anniversary-reading-challenge

"She is my beacon of hope. The light at the end of a dark tunnel".

Lovely letter received by one of our volunteers, showing what a difference their support continues to make 😊

In 1956, Lord Longford witnessed the devastating silence in prisons.
Not just loneliness, but a complete loss of human connection.

• No letters
• No visitors
• Forgotten by all

He believed punishment shouldn't mean isolation.
Will you help us keep connections alive?
Share our fundraising page to make a difference!

Donate to Changing lives through letters, organized by Lucy Ball 70 years ago in 1956, Lord Longford founded the New Bridge Foundation after visiting prisons … Lucy Ball needs your support for Changing lives through letters