We are the world's oldest prison charity, with a long history of bringing people together to advocate for change. Join our movement and help us to build a more humane and effective response to crime.
Becoming a Howard League member is the easiest way to get involved in our movement for change and make your voice heard.
JoinYour donation helps us to safeguard our independence. We do not accept any funding from government.
DonateJoin our mailing list and never miss an update on our campaigns and events.
SubscribeHead to the Howard League Blog for informal comment from our Chief Executive, Andrea Coomber KC (Hon.), and other contributors.
ReadHeld in person and online, our seminars and panel events are not to be missed. Most online events are recorded, so you can watch them at your convenience.
ScheduleWe are on X, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn and YouTube. Follow us for engaging content about our work and the criminal justice system.
FollowWe are a charity with a large membership, including people who live, or have lived, in prison. We believe the answers to crime lie not in the criminal justice system, but in a fairer and more equitable society, one investing in education, housing, employment and health. We believe that everyone is better than their worst moment or decision, and that excessive punishment harms the fabric of society. We believe in second chances and in the ability of people to change.
By becoming a Howard League member, you will be supporting our work to address the acute crisis in prisons in England and Wales. Our Prison Watch tool helps you to find a prison and see if it is overcrowded. Type the name of a prison in the box below to start searching. You need to select a minimum of two prisons to compare.
In 2014, we campaigned successfully against restrictions on sending books to prisoners. The Books For Prisoners campaign saw our members and supporters join world-famous authors in pushing for a complete government U-turn. The campaign ended on a high when Santa Claus paid a visit to the Ministry of Justice to deliver hundreds of books that had been donated by members, to be passed on to people in prison.
