Origins

Bridging the Gap (BTG) was started in the early 1970s by Thelma White.

Thelma was a humanist and started befriending people who had just been released from prison or who were due for release. As a consequence, she began to see that there was a great difference between the help that prisoners were supposed to receive and what happened in reality. In order to be of more help, she started learning about the benefits system and housing law. She made educational leaflets and classes available. Thelma died in 1984.

Today

Today, BTG is a registered charity, has over 70 full members and supports a network of 750 prison penpals in Britain and the USA. A dedicated nucleus of unpaid staff are available to give talks and run workshops for prisoners, prison service staff, probation staff and other interested parties.

James Stevens-Turner

James Stevens-Turner has been involved as a volunteer with BTG since 1980. As a child he was sent to a special needs school before leaving grammar school with no qualifications. A career in the Merchant Navy was brought to an end by a severe spinal injury. James has seen the effects of prison through his relationship with his brother John, who has served a number of sentences.

After a spell as a professional photographer, James moved to Sheffield to study and to work in a Salvation Army hostel. He gained a BA (Hons) in Social Science, a Master of Arts in Criminal Law (Penal Systems), a Diploma in Theology, and a Master of Arts in Business Administration. He moved to Cumbria, married Janet and worked at various jobs including photographer, taxi driver and at a centre running holidays for disabled and disadvantaged children. Around this time, James became group leader for the local Prison Fellowship, eventually becoming area co-ordinator. He and Janet moved to London in 1995. In April 1998, Trinity College, Dublin awarded James a Doctorate of Divinity. Sadly Janet passed away in 1999. James made several visits to inmates on Death Row in the USA.

Soon to be engaged to Brenda, James's non-working hours are divided between running BTG as CEO and the many other ways he supports like-minded organisations. He also undertakes speaking engagements and training sessions, meeting and helping many people both inside and outside of prisons.

Leanne (Penpal Co-ordinator)

Leanne has taken over the role of Penpal co-ordinator, and she has in the expression taken to the task like a duck to water.

I left school at 16, getting  'O' levels then started work, doing various office and retail jobs.

I started doing work for various charities, raising funds and awareness etc.

On becoming friends with four people who had been through the prison system, I deciding to look for a more hands on role to help make a difference. That is when I found BTG and got talking to James what did I ever do before?

Knowing how important letters were to my friends, I jumped at the chance to be the Penpal co-ordinator and help others in the same situation.

I'm not conventionally religious but do follow the spiritual church way of thinking. After some very bad times in my life, It was good to have that and learnt me many thinks about forgiveness..

My other interests include football, alternative medicine, healing and music. I still campaign and support numerous causes, raising the profiles and raising money.

Leanne

Albert (Northern Area Rep)

"I was asked by James if I could help him in his work at BTG. As a friend with time to spare I said yes. Why you may ask? Well first of all I have seen first hand what it is like to be in prison. I know the problems of everyday life for an inmate.

BTG is concerned with prisoners, ex-prisoners and their families. We make no judgements about anyone, regardless of ethnic or religious background. BTG is there to help in many ways. I do not get paid for my help, in fact it costs me to be involved. I am of an age now that means I have nothing to prove. I am comfortable with my life yet, without the friends and family that have helped me, my story could have been very different. I look forward to helping everyone that seeks help from BTG in the best way I can."