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Alpha for Prisons

Create space for honest conversation, dignity, and hope — wherever people are in their journey.
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What is Alpha for Prisons?

Alpha is for everyone,
everywhere.

In correctional settings, Alpha creates a safe and structured space where people can explore life, faith, and meaning through honest conversation. It can be run in chapels, program rooms, classrooms, or other approved gathering areas within facilities — and is designed to meet people where they are, offering a respectful environment for reflection, discussion, and genuine connection.
No pressure. No expectations. Just an open conversation.

What Hosting Alpha looks like

01

Welcome and settle in

Every session begins with informal time together — a simple opportunity to help participants feel at ease and ready to engage before the talk begins.

02

Watch a video together

A short talk explores one of life's bigger questions through a Christian lens, covering the basics of the faith. The same film series used in Alpha settings around the world, adapted for group or room-style viewing.
Explore the Series

03

Join the Conversation

Small groups create space for honest, open discussion — where everyone is welcome to share, listen, or simply take it all in. No right answers, no pressure, and no assumptions about where anyone is starting from.
*11 weeks long, typically 1 to 1.5 hours each week.
The same simple rhythm every time — a welcome, a talk, a conversation. Consistent, structured, and easy to facilitate within your setting.

See what Alpha is all about

0:00
Why Run Alpha?
Prison can be a place of transformation, and Alpha for Prisons has proved again and again a means by which many prisoners have found transformation – new purpose, direction, and faith. It is truly remarkable work.
-Rev Graham Tomlin
Who Can Host Alpha?
Alpha for Prisons is used by a wide range of leaders and partners, including:
  • Chaplains and spiritual care teams
  • Correctional program facilitators
  • Approved volunteers and ministry partners
  • Re-entry and rehabilitation program leaders
  • Community organizations working within justice settings
Alpha is designed to be easy to facilitate, regardless of prior experience.
Interested in running Alpha in Prisons?
Get in touch with Sean, our National Director of Alpha for Prisons

Sean Wilkinson

National Director of Alpha for Prisons
Meet with Sean
Alpha for Prisons Resources
To support hosting, Alpha provides resources including:
Explore Alpha Resources
Alpha for High Turnover Prisons
Thinking about running an Alpha in your institution but don’t have the standard 11 weeks? This resource has been created just for you and offers suggestions to run an Alpha in a facility with fixed dates. Read more about how seeds can still be sown in a shorter time frame.
Download Here
Alpha for Prisons: Mini Guide
Are you a leader or chaplain who is looking to bring the hope of Jesus through Alpha to those in prison? Check out our new Alpha for Prisons: Mini Guide. Ensure you’re fully equipped by understanding the why and how. In this helpful guide you will discover tips, FAQs, and advice from chaplains across the country.
Download Here
For additional prisons resources register your course on MyAlpha.
Register your course

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Wherever you are and whoever you're reaching — Alpha gives you everything you need to create space for honest, meaningful conversation.
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