Enough Was Enough

Our journey began with a story that’s all too common in the UK prison system. We met Ashley, an inmate who like so many others, was struggling to stay in touch with his loved ones. The cost of calling a mobile phone from prison was shockingly high, and Ashley found that just one call could take up almost a third of his entire weekly allowance. That meant less money for essentials like toiletries, snacks, or even stamps to write letters home. Ashley was only allowed £15.50 a week, and just one 10 minute call to his mothers mobile cost nearly £4. He tried writing letters instead, but it wasn’t the same reassurance as hearing a friendly and supportive voice.

Hearing this, we couldn’t help but feel that something needed to change. It just didn’t seem right that someone should have to choose between staying connected with their family and being able to afford basic necessities. We asked ourselves: how is it fair that people like Ashley are forced to feel even more isolated during an already challenging time?

We realized that this wasn’t just Ashley's problem and was a widespread issue affecting countless inmates and their families. And we knew we had to do something about it. We believed that everyone deserves the chance to hear a loved one’s voice, to share a laugh, or to simply feel supported, no matter where they are. So, we set out to create a solution that would make staying in touch easier, more affordable, and accessible to everyone who needed it.

That’s how Prison Call came to be. We’re here because we believe in the power of connection, and we’re committed to making sure that no one has to face the challenges of prison life alone.