Support for family and friends

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Whatever the question, we would love to hear from you.

We know that friends and family often play a key role in encouraging someone to make the most of their time in prison – helping them study and supporting them through their course.

If you want to support a loved one to start or continue their learning journey, Prisoners’ Education Trust can help.

We are a charity that funds people in prison to complete distance learning courses, giving them the chance to study subjects and levels that otherwise might not be available.

Friends and family are not able to apply for funding from PET on behalf of their loved one: people in prison must apply for funding themselves, with the assistance of a prison staff member – usually a member of the education department – who provides them with a form and a written endorsement for the application.

You can find information about the application process in our prison staff section. You can also read our prospectus to see what courses we offer:

Other organisations supporting people with their education, in prison and on release:

  • Hardman Trust: The Hardman Directory brings together the support services that can help people plan their life after prison. It includes funding opportunities, training courses, mentoring programmes and practical information to consider when being released.
  • Unlock: This charity supports and advocates for people with criminal records to be able to move on positively in their lives. Their guide to applying to university sets out the application process and points to consider if you’re applying for a course with a criminal record.
  • The Longford Trust: This organisation funds scholarships and mentoring for people leaving prison to access Higher Education.
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By sharing the impact of education on a loved one in prison, you can help us show the value of distance learning.

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