Will I write letters or emails?

This will depend on the penfriend you are allocated and which state they are in as the rules regarding correspondence vary from state to state. In some states emailing is not possible, but it is increasingly becoming an option in many places. Where it is available, it is the preferred method for many people on the row. However, if you prefer to correspond by letter we will do our best to accommodate this, but you are likely to have a longer wait for a penfriend.

We know, for many people, email is associated with immediacy and quick responses, and you may be concerned that writing by email means you will have to respond daily or weekly. However, while some people on the row may want to engage very frequently, often the key is simply that your penfriend knows what to expect. So, if you want to write longer messages, more like sending a letter, once a fortnight or even once a month, that’s OK. It’s all about having clear communication from the beginning.