Humanists UK is now in its eleventh week of broadcasting on the national radio station for prisoners as part of an initiative to raise hope and offer support during the epidemic. This week its President, Alice Roberts, became the latest to take to the airwaves to provide an uplifting message taken from her book, The Incredible Unlikeliness of Being.
In Alice’s broadcast, she discusses humanity’s place in the universe and the serendipity of human existence. We are, she states, a product of so many chances events; as individuals: ‘a very unlikely outcome of the universe’. Reflecting on our humble beginnings, Alice connects us by our DNA to our ancient ancestors, affirming our roles as individuals as links ‘in the chain of life.’ The broadcast is available to listen to on the Humanists UK Soundcloud.
Alice Roberts is the latest in a string of humanists to speak on Prison Radio to offer messages of hope during this difficult time. Other speakers have included Labour peer Alf Dubs, broadcaster Joan Bakewell, journalist Christina Patterson, and philosopher Nigel Warburton, as well as prison pastoral carers and Humanists UK volunteers and staff. Topics have included resilience, friendship, and hope as well as finding humour in times of crisis.
Despite the partial relaxation of restrictions in the outside world, prisons are continuing to run extremely restricted regimes in response to the coronavirus crisis, with prisoners largely confined to their cells – many for 23 hours a day. Humanists UK hopes that by broadcasting into cells once a week, it can provide the emotional and pastoral support non-religious prisoners need during imprisonment. This is in addition to the face-to-face support pastoral carers provide in prisons through the Non-Religious Pastoral Support Network. Almost 20% of prisons have a non-religious pastoral carer in their team though demand is much higher.
Deputy Chief Executive of the Prison Radio Association, Andrew Wilkie, said: ‘Lockdown in prisons means that it’s even more difficult for people to receive the sort of emotional and pastoral support that they need during imprisonment. National Prison Radio has been delighted to broadcast Humanist voices through this wonderful partnership with Humanists UK. Our weekly Humanist Reflection on a Friday lunchtime is an example of innovation born from a crisis. It greatly enriches the support we can offer directly into prison cells.’
Chief Executive of Humanists UK, Andrew Copson, said: ‘It’s been great to work with National Prison Radio during this time of crisis, and to see the partnership grow from strength to strength. Though our pastoral carers have returned to prisons, this is another layer of support we can provide whilst prisoners remain largely confined to their cells. We hope to continue this wonderful initiative for as long as possible.’
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Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 85,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.