Justice Action is proud to introduce iExpress, the world’s first prisoner webpage and interactive email system. It aims to empower people in prisons and forensic hospitals and bring them into the digital world, reducing the divide and social exclusion that currently exists. They now have the opportunity to access an exciting new channel of self-expression and communication, free of charge.
We are bringing them out of the cells and onto the net!
Closing the digital divide
Living in the 21st century without access to the internet disadvantages people in prisons and hospitals by greatly limiting their access to education, training and employment, and their ability to contact friends and family. There is currently a digital divide between prisoners and the general population. iExpress works to close this gap, bringing together the free services of a personal email address and webpage to provide empowerment and a social link of positive communication and expression. This reduces the social exclusion of people in prison in an age of prominent internet culture, and promotes effective rehabilitation and resettlement through social inclusion.
The first webpage, by Michelle McCreight, can be viewed here.
Why access matters
Our research has shown that access to computers and the internet within cells can significantly assist prisoners’ reintegration into society and reduce recidivism. Juliet Lyon, Director of the UK’s Prison Reform Trust, argues that information and communication technology (ICT) is ‘vital for effective rehabilitation and resettlement’. Programs that enable such access empower prisoners by providing the opportunity to gain computer literacy skills, and by improving their understanding of the legal system through access to legal resources and services.
A webpage of their own
Ensuring the time people spend in their cells is productive is the key motivation behind iExpress. Each person can have their own webpage, giving them an opportunity to freely express and redefine themselves. iExpress encourages people to discuss their life, experiences and hobbies, and to upload photos of themselves or other positive artistic work.
A personal webpage is an ideal platform to showcase achievements made in prison, and lets prisoners make a personal statement about their current feelings and attitudes. Expressing these thoughts and feelings makes prisoners more relatable and shows that their past does not define who they are. iExpress is an avenue for self-expression where people define their own identity through words, images and art.
Interactive email
In addition to personal webpages, people in prisons and hospitals are given their own interactive email address to send and receive messages. Incoming messages are received at Justice Action, printed and mailed to the prisoner. Outgoing letters are addressed to Justice Action, then scanned, uploaded and sent as an email reply.
iExpress is secure and controlled, and upholds Justice Action’s strict confidentiality standards. The usual censorship procedures used by prison authorities apply to letters entering and leaving prisons.
A world first
Nowhere else in the world has introduced a program like iExpress, which gives prisoners their own webpage and interactive email free of charge. With a growing number of studies highlighting the benefits of extending information technology to prisoners, there have been calls to introduce internet and email access directly in cells. We see iExpress as a precursor to computers operating through secure servers in cells.
At a glance
- Launched
- 2013
- Run by
- Justice Action
- For
- People in prisons and forensic hospitals
- Cost to members
- Free
International developments
The UK and the USA are working to improve prisoner and mental health patients’ access to information technology.
USA · since 2000
Write a Prisoner
Prisoners pay a fee to set up a pen-pal profile that potential pen pals can view and email, though prisoners cannot reply directly. Prisoners can also set up career profiles with their education and employment history, and share artwork, poetry and blog posts. Its longevity and continuing growth show its success.
UK · since 2006
Email a Prisoner
Covering prisoners in 147 UK prisons, this service lets anyone send an email for a small fee of 30 pence per message. Emails are printed inside the prison and included in the daily mail. Mainly used by friends and family, it is also used by a growing number of legal professionals, organisations and agencies.
USA
Emailing a Prisoner
Outgoing email messages are printed and posted to the prisoner through the US Postal Service. Prisoners can also reply: their letters are received by the website, then scanned and uploaded for online access.
The popularity and success of prisoner email programs in the UK and USA show the need for a program in Australia. iExpress provides this, bringing prisoners and patients online with a new channel for self-expression and communication.
Be part of this world first
iExpress addresses the social exclusion experienced by people directly affected by the criminal justice and mental health systems. Please support, subscribe and spread the word.
Welcome to iExpress, the world’s first full online avenue of expression for people in prisons and forensic hospitals, bringing them into the digital world since 2013.
Acknowledgement of Country
iExpress acknowledges the traditional owners of Country throughout Australia, and their enduring and continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
Postal address
PO Box 386
Broadway NSW 2007
Australia
Office
Unit 10/2 Catherine St.
Glebe NSW 2037
Australia
© 2026 iExpress