A tribute to the late Erwin James, Forward Patron (1957 – 2024)

Erwin was a remarkable man who inspired so many through his journalistic achievements, but also his story of recovery and transformation.

When Erwin spent time in prison, he discovered his love for writing and combined it with his newfound desire to help others, including writing letters for fellow inmates. Through his writing, Erwin was able to channel his passion for reform in thought-provoking and groundbreaking opinion pieces on the UK criminal justice system. It has been credited as having helped change public attitudes towards prison reform and prison life. This amazing work led to a regular column in The Guardian called ‘A Life Inside’ – credited by many as being a catalyst for others to start campaigning on prison reform more actively.

A successful career followed as a writer, editor-in-chief of the prisoners’ newspaper Inside Time, and an author.

“I didn’t believe I was lovable” Erwin once said – but we can see from the outpouring of tributes since his sad passing that he was indeed very much loved.

RIP Erwin James Monahan