Neil Barclay BEM

Prison Library Manager / Art Psychotherapist (HCPC)

[Neil Barclay BEM @neil_barclay]

Delighted to be mentioned in this month’s @InsideTimeUK following the award of my British Empire Medal in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours. What began as a love of books has become a journey centred on creativity, connection & rehabilitation. Very grateful for the recognition ❤️

[David Randall @DavidJRandall]

An incredible achievement @neil_barclay on receiving the British Empire Medal in the King’s Birthday Honours List. You deserve all the recognition for your tireless efforts. The work you do changes lives, and I couldn’t be more proud.
#BEM #KingsBirthdayHonours

[PrisonReadingGroups @PRG_UK]

Reflecting on the joy and camaraderie of our 25th birthday celebration last week. From heartfelt speeches to shared stories, thank you to everyone who made this milestone event unforgettable. Here's to the next 25 years! #ReadinginPrison25 #Booksconnect @CraftDRap @PaulZanon1972

[Koestler Arts @KoestlerArts]

If you visit our exhibition at the Southbank Centre, make sure you check out our Pop-Up Art Shop!🛍️

You can get your hands on Koestler Arts merchandise, as well as a selection of artworks not featured in the exhibition.

📅Until 17 December
🔗https://t.co/uchHx9t9gD

[🇬🇧Paul Zanon🇮🇹🤍💙⚽ @PaulZanon1972]

Delighted to be back at HMP Thameside. The first of 24 sports writing workshop sessions I'll be delivering over the coming six months to a number of prisoners.

See and encourage potential 🖊📚❤️

[Neil Barclay BEM @neil_barclay]

Trying to set up book trolleys on each wing at @HMPThameside to ensure ease of access to literature for all of our prisoners so am calling out for donations.

If anyone has any books they would kindly be willing to donate please get in touch, thank you to those who have already!

[Victoria Scott | Author @Toryscott]

Have just been sent some images from the talk I did at @HMPThameside on Wednesday.
Here I am in the prison library with @neil_barclay (the prison librarian) and the lovely Nancy who volunteers in the library.
It was an incredibly uplifting event. I hope to do more.

[Victoria Scott | Author @Toryscott]

Well that was quite something! A room full of interesting people talking about writing, publishing, the role and independence of the media and much more besides. Thanks so much for the invite, @neil_barclay .

[Victoria Scott | Author @Toryscott]

I was honoured to be invited to HMP Thameside this morning to talk to the inmates about my books.
The room was full of interesting people talking about writing, publishing, the role and independence of the media and much more besides - and so moving to hear some of their stories.

[🇬🇧Paul Zanon🇮🇹🤍💙⚽ @PaulZanon1972]

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! From Oct 22-June 23 I've delivered 24 Sports Writing sessions to prisoners at @HMPThameside
A BIG thanks to @BVintageBoxing for their support & to @reach_sport @PitchPublishing @sarofeen @ScratchShedPub for help with books. #SeeAndEncouragePotential ✍️

[PrisonReadingGroups @PRG_UK]

Prisoners and staff at @HMPThameside were honoured by a visit to the library from @mcashmanCBE .
Special thanks to PRG volunteer Maggie Gallagher for the blog on the event. Click the link to read the full write up. https://t.co/CwfVCRglBJ

[Neil Barclay BEM @neil_barclay]

@brianbuck4 That’s so us 😂

[PrisonReadingGroups @PRG_UK]

PRG volunteers Maggie Gallagher & Graham Coster being presented with Certificates of Special Recognition from @ButlerTrust for their wonderful work over many years with the reading groups at HMP Thameside. Many thanks also to @neil_barclay and the library. #VolunteerDay

[Give a Book @giveabookorg]

Huge thanks to the wonderful #SarahWaters for inspirational visit @HMPThameside @PRG_UK @ViragoBooks @Lennie_Virago @neil_barclay

[PrisonReadingGroups @PRG_UK]

Our two fantastic volunteers, Maggie and Graham at @HMPThameside were shortlisted for the @ButlerTrust Award and were granted the 'Certificate of Special Recognition' signed by their patron, HRH The Princess Royal. A real achievement! @neil_barclay
https://t.co/3meaKtKxdv

[HMP Thameside @HMPThameside]

Delighted to have hosted @SimonCallow at the prison together with @giveabookorg

[Give a Book @giveabookorg]

'The moment you are gripped by a story your life changes.' So said the inimitable @SimonCallow at @HMPThameside. Thanks to @PRG_UK, volunteer Maggie Gallagher, @neil_barclay, @DamianHinds, with great support from #ExpressFeatures @MattNixson @kathopps https://t.co/urPqf5eHnj