Supporting Albanian Inmates in London Prisons

At Nënë Tereza, we are committed to supporting some of the most vulnerable and isolated members of our community. This includes our ongoing work with Albanian inmates in two London-area prisons: HMP Wormwood Scrubs and HMP Maidstone.

Our Prison Support Programme
Our team visits each prison bi-weekly to provide direct support tailored to the needs of Albanian inmates. These sessions include:

  • Emotional and cultural support to reduce isolation.
  • Translation and interpretation to help inmates access prison services.
  • Counselling and wellbeing support for those experiencing distress.
  • Guidance on rehabilitation, reintegration, and resettlement after release.
  • Support in maintaining family contact wherever possible.
Income and Outcomes
Through this programme, we have identified both challenges and achievements:

Income: Our presence in the prisons provides continuity, trust, and a safe space for inmates to share their concerns in their own language. This has allowed us to identify urgent needs that may otherwise have been overlooked.

Outcome: One of the most significant findings was that many Albanian inmates were experiencing suicidal thoughts and deep emotional distress. In response, we expanded our support to include counselling and crisis intervention, ensuring that inmates could access timely help, reassurance, and coping strategies. This intervention has already had a positive impact, with several individuals reporting reduced feelings of hopelessness and greater willingness to engage with rehabilitation services.

Why This Work Matters
Albanian inmates often face unique challenges: language barriers, cultural isolation, and a lack of tailored support. By addressing these issues directly, we not only safeguard their wellbeing but also contribute to safer resettlement, stronger family connections, and reduced risk of reoffending—benefiting the individual, their community, and wider society.

Looking Ahead

We will continue strengthening our prison work by building partnerships with prison staff, probation services, and community organisations. Our goal is to ensure that every Albanian inmate has access to culturally sensitive counselling, practical guidance, and hope for a better future.


A Story of Hope – Case Study

“I felt invisible. I didn’t think anyone cared if I lived or died.”

Arben (name changed)


When we first met Arben at HMP Wormwood Scrubs, he was struggling with overwhelming isolation. Far from his family, unable to communicate confidently in English, and cut off from his community, he had begun to experience suicidal thoughts.

During one of our bi-weekly visits, Arben opened up about his despair. Our team provided counselling and emotional support, giving him a safe space to speak freely in his own language. Slowly, he began to share more, and together we worked on small steps to rebuild his confidence and sense of purpose.

With ongoing support, Arben started engaging with rehabilitation programmes and re-established contact with his family through regular letters. He now describes himself as feeling “much stronger”, and says that Nënë Tereza’s support helped him find hope where he thought there was none.

Arben’s story shows the difference that culturally sensitive support can make — turning isolation into connection, and despair into the beginnings of a future.