So we’ve just completed the ‘2nd coming’ of the Rise up and Reach out project at HMP Risley.

I’m feeling that usual feeling that comes with endings; glad we’ve had another successful project, whilst also partly sad it’s come to an end, well for now at least. As Ash & Stuart gather all the numbers, data and feedback we’re confident that something special seems to be happening in what could be the most unlikely of places. 

A few thoughts on Her Majesty’s Prison Service;

The Prison service has had its share of challenges and publicity over the last few months and indeed years. With conditions at HMP Liverpool being highlighted recently as sub standard. Reports of suicides, lack of access to mental health support and incidents seem to be a regular feature in the headlines. It’s no surprise that just like services in the communities we live in, the prison services are also facing challenges. Challenges that can have a huge impact on all of us.

The costs of keeping someone incarcerated is around £40,000 per year. The process of arresting and detaining through the legal system around £65,000. The current government figures for reoffending are 28.7% for Adults and 42.3% for Juveniles. (All figures can be found on the government website and make for interesting reading). 

So why do this stuff in Prisons?

I’ve had some interesting discussions with friends and colleagues about working in Prisons. 

The question of Prisons being about punishment and/or rehabilitation can still be a contentious topic dependent on your own experiences and point of view. Crime can be a very emotive subject affecting lots of lives in many ways.  A sense of justice can be a powerful trigger on our values and emotional responses.Whilst I totally agree that we should all be responsible and accountable for our own behaviour, I don’t think we all get the same opportunities to learn and develop the skills to do so. We can learn a lot about change & support from other sectors.

 I think there is a danger in our emotional responses and use of language that we somehow ‘delete’ the fact that the people in our prisons are our friends, families and communities and in most cases will be returning to them. The experiences of all of us in life are very different. I don’t think anyone sets out in life to end up in prison. The fact that an emotional response, a bad decision, a reaction to bereavement, an addiction, homelessness, debt, mental health,  can all be factors that lead to being locked up should be a warning sign for all of us.

My experiences in services have taught me about the dangers and effects of ‘labels’. The effects of ‘Institutionalisation’ on both the people who live and work within the ‘System’ have been well documented over the years. The models and approaches that are used in therapy and change work talk about ‘unconditional positive regard’. Being aware and able to separate someones ‘behaviour’ from who they are; their sense of ‘Identity’. I believe this can be challenging, effective and transformational.

My Experience at HMP Risley

We’ve had incredible support from the Head of reducing re-offending and Educational support team at HMP Risley. Over the 6 weeks and the previous programme we have built good relationships with the Security staff we’ve worked with and the various curious visitors that have been to see what we’ve been doing. 

 Although there have been challenges in timings, locations and some perceptions of what we’ve been doing, overall it’s been a pleasure to share the journeys of all the men who attended the course over the 6 weeks. Each of who brought interesting and thought provoking experiences, questions and observations to the event. The willingness to engage and be open to the programme was exceptional. The relationships developed within the group helped to bring out the best in each other with support, compassion and understanding. Bumping into some of the attendees from last years project further inspired us all, as they were keen to share how they’d been using the models to ‘stay out of trouble on the wing’ and get a bit clearer about the future and what’s important to them.

Unfortunately this time we were unable to get offender managers to join us on the sessions.

What we covered on the project

We set out 6 weeks ago to share some inspiring stories, songs and poems. Introduce ideas, concepts and models that help us understand ourselves better, recognise and respond positively to the difference in others and get clearer about what we want in life. Our Purpose being to show people how to challenge their own beliefs about what’s possible in the world for the

Based around Joseph Campbells Heroes Journey, the project was made of 12 sessions over the 6 weeks.

Each session introducing a different model, Poem and Story that builds on each other week by week. Including practical techniques to help relaxation, building relationships and being more in control of thoughts and feelings. As we as setting Action Plans with Alison to aid learning and generalise it beyond the training.

On this project we’ve had the pleasure of experiencing Charmaine, a Poetry therapist from London who joined us for a week to share her approach to poetry, self expression and awareness which inspired some of the men to begin to express themselves through poetry, (See some of the Poems below for a taste of them).

Also Georgina, an accomplished Classical Cellist who came in to share her talent with her 300 year old Cello. Exploring classical and contemporary musical styles and how they can ‘touch’ us in different ways. It was an amazing and surreal experience to find myself  in the middle of a prison listening to the beautiful sound of cello echoing around the walls.

Although we know there are lots of things we could have done better, differently or even had to compromise to fit into the ‘system’ we’re working in, overall it’s been a successful, interesting and an excellent learning experience for all of us involved.

A great project and a pleasure to be a part of it. I’ve definitely benefited from the experience. Although the future of the project now depends on funding it’s looking bright.