BECOMING A PENFRIEND
If you would like to proceed and become a penfriend you can apply to join Human Writes as a full member by completing our membership application form below. We do, however, stipulate that our members must be at least twenty-one years old. We ask that people make a definite commitment to writing, barring exceptional circumstances, because it can be devastating for a prisoner if their penfriend drops out of contact for no apparent reason. Although our primary remit is friendship through letter writing, some US states now permit inmates to exchange correspondence by secure email and this option can be used in addition to, or instead of, postal correspondence if preferred.
It should also be borne in mind that there is a possibility that your penfriend could be executed, although of course our office holders within Human Writes would always support you through these circumstances so you would not have to go through this alone.
If you decide that you would like to support Human Writes but that you would prefer not to become a penfriend at this stage, you can join us as an associate (non-writer) member. As an associate member you will receive a copy of our magazines, attend conferences if you wish to and be part of our organisation. If you should subsequently decide to become a penfriend at a later stage, full membership can be applied for.
When returning your membership application form we ask that you include a letter about yourself and why you would like to join us. This is just to be sure that you have thought things through and are wishing to become a penfriend to a death row prisoner for the right reasons. If you have any queries at this stage please feel free to email our main contact address humanwritesuk@yahoo.co.uk and your enquiry will be forwarded to the appropriate member of our team.
Information on our membership database will not be passed to any other organisation and will be kept entirely confidential.
Frequently asked questions
See our frequently asked questions. If you cannot find an answer there, please contact us.
Application form
For an application form that you can print out, click here. Requires Adobe Acrobat, which can be downloaded here.
If you would like to contact us regarding membership, please visit our contact page.
In a Death Row prisoner‘s own words:
“Julian is the most wonderful person I have ever had as a penfriend and I am really grateful that you brought us together. He is trying to teach me your English cricket – what a bewildering game it is!”
“Julian is the most wonderful person I have ever had as a penfriend and I am really grateful that you brought us together. He is trying to teach me your English cricket – what a bewildering game it is!”
Human Writes Patrons
"The very essence of the death penalty is to tell people that they are somehow sub-human, not fit to live. Yet even those people I have represented who did what they were accused of - a surprisingly limited number - have always been much better people than their worst fifteen minutes, as are we all. Those who recognise this by reaching out to the men and women on death row are true heroes, though I suspect they gain as much as they give to the relationship."
Clive Stafford Smith OBE, Founder of Reprieve and Patron, Human Writes
"As a journalist who has lived and worked in the United States, the horror of death row is one of the issues that never leaves you. The thread of humanity that Human Writes manages to sustain with men and women on death row is a profound contribution to keep alive the hope of life. Capital punishment is now on the retreat in America, but the numbers awaiting their fate are still very considerable. I am very honoured to have become a Patron of Human Writes and will hope to do my best to put my shoulder to the wheel".
Jon Snow Broadcaster and journalist, Patron, Human Writes
"I know what it is like to live in a cell for decades and feel that the whole world hates you. I never expected to be able to live again as a contributing member of a community. Prison life was precarious and unpredictable but I met people who worked there who wanted to help me and people like me - and I'm lucky that I live in a society graceful enough to offer me a second chance. At least I had hope. Hope for many of the people supported by Human Writes has all but been extinguished. Letters to people on Death Row let them know that however low they may have fallen, they are still human beings. They still have value and are worth caring about and letters might just help to keep hope alive. That is why I am honoured to have been invited to be a patron."
Erwin James 1957 - 2024, author and Guardian columnist, Patron, Human Writes
Prisoner Art and Writing
"The volunteers of Human Writes seek to hold out the hand of friendship to men and women facing the death penalty. I am pleased to encourage them in their writing"
Most Reverend and Rt Hon George L Carey, former Archbishop of Canterbury
"No matter its circumstances, dying is one of the most important things we ever do. I applaud all who offer compassion and hope to those facing death, especially in the terrible circumstances of Death Row. May God bless your work."
His Eminence Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster