Humanists UK has marked 30 weeks of broadcasting on the national radio station for prisoners, as part of an initiative to raise hope and offer support during the pandemic, with a contribution from renowned folk and punk singer-songwriter Frank Turner.
Frank discussed the meaning behind his song Be More Kind from his 2018 seventh studio album of the same name, exploring what kindness means to him and how aiming to be kind even in the face of adversity or lack of reciprocity can help you rise to life’s challenges.
Frank said, ‘What does it mean to be kind? Is it just being nice? For me, I guess it means trying to always think about the other person. And how you are going to affect them in the way that you act. And the most important part for me is it is not about reciprocity… It means it is not a deal. It’s not a transaction. It doesn’t count if you are only nice to someone because you expect they are going to be nice to you in return, and you decide not to be if you don’t think that. You have to just do it for the sake of it. Sometimes you are going to get nothing back. And sometimes you can get screwed over in return. It doesn’t matter, you are still the one who can hold their head up at the end of the day and said you did the right thing.’
Frank has joined numerous other humanists in contributing to National Prison Radio programmes during a particularly difficult time for the prison service as coronavirus restrictions continue to mean a large number of prisoners being confined to their cells for up to 23 hours a day. Other contributors have included evolutionary biologist, author, and broadcaster Professor Alice Roberts; child refugee campaigner Lord Alf Dubs; philosopher and author Nigel Warburton; and broadcaster and President of Birkbeck, Baroness Joan Bakewell.
Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson commented, ‘During these particularly trying times, I think it is important that all people, including those currently in prison, have the opportunity to build hope for the future and to be able to share their concerns with like-minded supporters. That is why our prison radio partnership is a great initiative that will hopefully offer some comfort and interest to prisoners as they try to navigate the changes brought about by this pandemic.’
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For further comment or information, please contact Sophie Castle at or phone 020 7324 3060To listen to Frank Turner or previous contributions on Humanists UK’s Soundcloud.
Read more about our work on our National Prison Radio Partnership: https://humanists.uk/2020/03/27/humanists-begin-weekly-broadcasts-on-prison-radio-to-raise-hope-during-epidemic/
Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 85,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.