Liverpool 2021 Prisons Week Lecture: Telling the story, hearing the story, and writing a new chapter

Organised by the Liverpool Diocesan Council for Social Aid (LDCSA), Adelaide House, the Diocese of Liverpool, and Liverpool Cathedral, this lecture might be of particular interest to those working in, or concerned with, the criminal justice system, especially those working with women.

This year’s lecture entitled ‘Telling the story, hearing the story, and writing a new chapter’, was presented by The Right Revd Rachel Treweek, Bishop of Gloucester and the Anglican Bishop for HM Prisons in England and Wales.

Bishop Rachel spoke about the importance of understanding some of the issues in the present story of intervention with female offenders and the importance of engaging with people’s personal story. She also offered some practical suggestions of how we can participate in writing a new chapter, not least regarding women finding a place called home.

Bishop Rachel has a keen interest in gender justice both nationally and internationally, with a particular passion for vulnerable girls and women. In 2017 she launched a campaign Fighting for Women’s Justice, not least campaigning against the vast majority of female offenders being given a prison sentence, and has sought to use her influence around these issues in the House of Lords. She is also a member of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Women in the Penal System. Rachel also continues to use her voice around issues of domestic abuse and violence against women and girls, and she is an Ambassador for the Christian charity Restored.

In 2020 Bishop Rachel became the Anglican Bishop for HM Prisons in England and Wales and holds a number of positions across a wide range of voluntary and statutory organisations, which include being President of the Nelson Trust, and a Patron of both the Prison Fellowship, and The Welcome Directory.

The Liverpool Diocesan Council for Social Aid’s vision is to see potential realised and hope restored for lives impacted by the criminal justice system. The charity, based in the Church of England Diocese of Liverpool, has been in operation for nearly 200 years, and today operates Adelaide House Female Approved Premises, coordinates the Liverpool Annual Prisons Week Lecture, and provides grant-making to other local non-profit organisations who share their vision.

Adelaide House Female Approved Premises, the main project of the Liverpool Diocesan Council for Social Aid, is situated in Liverpool and is one of only six female approved premises in the country. The house provides residential support and interventions for up to 18 adult women who are completing their sentences. Management and staff at Adelaide House advocate an holistic, women centred, needs led approach to their work, which includes enhanced supervision within a structured and supportive environment. During 2020, and in recognition of the challenges faced by residents in securing suitable move on accommodation, the charity set up a Move On Project as part of the work of Adelaide House. The project provides both advice and practical support to residents including sourcing appropriate properties, helping with accommodation deposits, and providing starter packs.