Writing To Someone On Death Row

"I am looking for a friend, not a saviour.  I am a guy who writes because he likes to communicate and learn about different people and places.  I write regularly and would like someone who is serious about writing.  I am not the sort to take advantage of anyone.  I write because I am basically lonely…" - from a prisoner on Death Row.

Writing to a prisoner on Death Row is different from any other friendship.  It can be extremely rewarding but it can also place extraordinary demands on you.  If you are thinking of taking on this commitment, you are asked to examine your motives and expectations, and to understand the commitment and (at times) problems involved.  You could be the only link that your incarcerated friend has with the outside world, or alternatively the person whose name you receive may be writing to a number of people.

In all cases it is the prisoner who first reaches out to look for communication and a friend outside the prison.  Like people on the outside, they are individuals with different needs and expectations.  However, we do not match people up.

"Today, friends are hard to find because people hide from each other saying a great many words, but sometimes words have no meaning and are as empty as the wind.   I want to find a friend, some one to talk to..." - from Death Row.

Obviously how the friendship develops will depend, as with all friendships, on the individuals concerned.  But, of course, unlike other friendships, you are befriending an individual who is dealing on a day-to-day basis with enormous stress, with the knowledge that they are awaiting execution by the State and also with the reasons why they are in such a position.

You should also be aware that, while the majority of prisoners requesting friendship are genuine and sincere.  You could, however, meet someone who would try to take advantage of your friendship and compassion.

Within LifeLines you will have back-up to help with any enquiries regarding the state where you are writing, and also access to a directory of members who are willing to talk over problems that might arise, problems that they themselves have probably encountered.

Sometimes our friends become so depressed that they unable to communicate for months but never the less the regular correspondence from us is appreciated.  This is very obvious once they resume writing again.  Executions are a daily reality which people on death row face not only for themselves but for other members on death row.

There is an annual membership fee of £10 (waged) / £6 (concession).  This goes towards the cost of producing a quarterly newsletter for members and their friends, administrative postage and conferences/meetings.

It is the policy of LifeLines that members must be over 18 years of age.  If you wish to enrole as a member please print out and complete the LifeLines Ireland Membership Form.

When you complete and submit your membership form you will then be issued with a receipt and the address of the inmate at the top of the waiting list.