My Story

Hello all!

On the 22nd of September I will be running the 2024 vitality 10km, to raise funds for the New Bridge Foundation. 

New Bridge offer non-judgemental, long-term, consistent support through connecting imprisoned people with experienced volunteers. These volunteers provide them with connection to the outside world through letter writing, emails, phone calls and visitations. 

This connection is also a vital aspect of reducing isolation and reoffending, increasing wellbeing and even helping individuals resettle into community post-release. 

Some of you know I've had the privilege of volunteering with New Bridge for the last five years, and I hope to continue to do so for the rest of my life. I think the work they do is incredibly important - I know from my own experience volunteering and engaging with my fellow volunteers, just how valuable it is for those who access it. 

My own belief is that people are worth more than the worst thing they have ever done; that prison can be a deeply challenging place and that as we hope to move towards a future where there is less harm, we must do so from a place of proactive compassion and support. New Bridge offers this proactive compassion, and through volunteer befriending people in prison are supported well as they serve their sentences. 

Please, if you have the means, make a donation to support New Bridge to continue doing their incredible work. 

I will get running!

Sophia