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What we have achieved

At the Howard League we know change is possible. People can change, institutions can be changed, whole systems can be changed. Here are some examples of how it can be done.

Case study

Our success

This photograph, taken outside 10 Downing Street, is from the Howard League's successful campaign to overturn restrictions on sending books to prisoners. The charity has been campaigning for more than 150 years and we have celebrated many achievements that demonstrate change is possible.

Learn more about how the Howard League has secured positive change

The Howard League is campaigning to reduce the criminalisation of children. The number of child arrests was reduced by 71 per cent between 2010 and 2018. It means tens of thousands of children will have a brighter future without their life chances being blighted by unnecessary police contact and criminal records.

Find out more about our current campaigns →

Every year, the Howard League presents awards to successful community projects that help to turn lives around and reduce crime.

Find out more about our Community Awards →

Reports and research

  • Child arrests in England and Wales 2017

    This report explains how child arrests have been reduced by 68 per cent in seven years, while also shining new light on areas where further progress can be achieved.

  • Justice for young people

    This report lists the key successes achieved by the Howard League legal team in its first 15 years of operation.

  • Prison work and social enterprise

    The Howard League set up the world’s first social enterprise based inside a prison, a graphic design studio called ‘Barbed’. This report is an independent evaluation of the project.

Read more reports and research →

  • Join the Howard League

    We are the world's oldest prison charity, bringing people together to advocate for change.

    Join us and make your voice heard
  • Support our work

    We safeguard our independence and do not accept any funding from government.

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