FAQs

What do I talk about in my letters/emails?

Anything you like! The fact you are writing at all is something incredibly special, and what may seem mundane to you (your daily routine, your hobbies, your holiday plans) is often fascinating to your penpal – and vice versa! Remember LifeLines exists not to judge or to dwell on the circumstances of our penpals – so as long as you are respectful in your letters, you won’t go wrong. Reach out to your State Coordinator for any further advice.

Do I write via email or via letter?

Different states have different restrictions, and some states have been slower than others to give their prisoners access to email. If you have a preference for one over the other, please let our membership secretary know and we will do our best to accomodate.

Why do I need to pay to write to someone?

We charge an annual subscription to help towards the cost of providing members and the prisoners with a level of continuing service including the Newsletter (The Wing, published quarterly), Conferences (where we regularly have speakers who have served time on death row, or their lawyers), and your State Coordinators (the LifeLines volunteers who look after each state where the death penalty still exists). LifeLines has been connecting members with penpals for decades – but we need your support to keep going.

Can I choose to write to a man or woman?

There are very few women on Death Row.  Whilst we cannot guarantee that you will write to a woman, if you ask when you join, our membership secretary can make enquiries amongst coordinators. 

What if the prisoner is seeking romance, or is making me uncomfortable?

LifeLines is a charity with over 30 years of experience in communicating with our penpals on death row – so you are in good hands! On the rare occasions that something like that happens, firstly please reach out to your State Coordinator for assistance. LifeLines is here to help – we can swap your connection with another penpal at any time. Regarding romance – this is something that LifeLines discourages.

Do you accept members outside the UK?

Yes! Please be sure to note that on your application form.

I want to support you but I do not want to write to a penpal – what can I do?

You can join LifeLines as an Associate Member – you will still receive our quarterly publication but you will not be assigned a penpal until you feel ready to have one. Alternatively feel free to reach out to us for a discussion about potential membership via the Contact Us page of this website. Additionally all donations to LifeLines are greatly appreciated.