On Wednesday 13 May, the Bishop Radford Trust was pleased to co-host a special Giving Together evening with the Maclellan Foundation at the Old Bailey in London, bringing together donors, charity leaders and friends with a shared commitment to prison ministry. The event was designed to shine a light on the role of faith in the criminal justice system and to encourage generous, collaborative support for Christian organisations serving people in prison and beyond the prison gates.
The evening formed part of Maclellan’s Giving Together model, which brings local donors and ministries together: ministries are nominated, all receive a grant, and gifts pledged on the night are matched by anchor funders, helping to multiply impact. This event marked the Bishop Radford Trust’s first themed Giving Together gathering and reflected the Trust’s growing focus on prison ministry in recent years.
Guests heard from four outstanding charities working in this space: Imago Dei, Grace Enterprises, Christianity Explored Ministries and Junction 42. Together, these organisations offered a compelling picture of Christian service in and around the prison system — from discipleship and chaplaincy support to women’s ministry, through-the-gate mentoring, and supportive employment for people rebuilding their lives after prison.
Thanks to the generosity of those present, the total amount pledged for the four ministries, including monies from the match fund pot, is an amazing £352,056.28. In addition, The Recruitment Junction was nominated and will receive a £1,500 grant, further extending the impact of the evening’s giving.
Image credit: The Maclellan Giving Together Foundation
