If you saw the recent BBC prison drama, Waiting for the Out, you’ll have seen the difference that philosophy can make to a life inside.
In the series, philosophy tutor Dan helps the men he teaches to think differently, exploring ideas around freedom, luck, dominance, race, destiny and change.
The drama is based on a true story – the memoir The Life Inside by Andy West, who has been running prison philosophy courses funded by The Royal Institute of Philosophy for more than 5 years.
The difference that philosophy is making in prisons is real – but we need your help to keep unlocking hope behind bars.
What does prison philosophy look like?
Our prison programmes aren’t like conventional classroom learning.
We have designed them to be accessible and engaging gateways to everyone, including people with low literacy levels or who have had no formal education.
They address topics that are highly relevant to participants, including freedom,
luck, dominance, race, destiny and change.
We deliver them in women’s prisons, young offenders units, men’s high security, and category C prisons.
Some of our programmes introduce philosophical ideas through culture, exploring the meanings behind famous song lyrics and movies. You can listen to Paul and Dan, two of our programme leaders, discussing this approach on The Big Smoke podcast.
How our work in prisons is transforming lives
Changing the script. “I’ve learnt that people can change their spirits and their characteristics by studying philosophy.” TRIP funded programme participant, HMP Wormwood Scrubs
Giving pause for thought. “After a few hours of philosophy, I learned how to think before doing anything.” TRIP funded programme participant, HMP Wormwood Scrubs
Enabling responsibility. “I’ve thought about the outcomes and what has put me here. I could have done things differently.” TRIP funded programme participant, HMP Wormwood Scrubs
Adding meaning. “I got to take time out of my boring everyday prison life to come to class to talk about important things such as mind, body and spirit.” TRIP funded programme participant, HMP Wormwood Scrubs
Redefining hope. “I thought if you’ve got a life sentence you’ve got no hope… but thinking about what hope is and talking with you all like this… maybe you do?” TRIP funded programme participant, Philosophy in Prisons
Our impact – and the work still to do
In 2024-2025:
- £15,000 was allocated to prison philosophy programmes in HMP Swaleside and HMP Wormwood Scrubs
- 300 participants benefited from a philosophy class
- 35 prisoners in HMP High Down took part in our new philosophy programme based on popular culture
But we’re just scratching the surface. There are 123 prisons and over 87,300 prisoners in England and Wales, and we want to bring philosophy to all of them.
It’s not just about creating hope for the prisoners themselves. The Head of Education and Skills at one of the prisons we work with reported that our philosophy course “would reduce recidivism” as it “opened participants’ minds to thinking in different ways”.
That means less crime, less public money spent on prisons, and a better society for everyone.
Can you help us to achieve this?
In numbers: how your donation will help
- £51 will ensure a prisoner is able to attend a single philosophy class
- £510 will enable a prisoner to receive a full 10-week philosophy course
- £5,625 delivers a full 10-week philosophy class for a group of 10 prisoners
Anything you can contribute will be gratefully received.
More to watch and read
Watch Waiting for the Out
The BBC series, based on Andy West’s book The Life Inside, is available on iPlayer now.
Find out more about our prisons programme
What if education wasn’t about passing tests but about learning how to think? Read more about our prisons programme and how philosophy is transforming prisoners’ lives.
Thank you for your support
Philosophy really can change minds, and it’s our mission to make real philosophy accessible to everyone.
But we need support to keep running our programmes. We are grateful for anything you can give.