Creative enrichment to support mental health and well-being

At Novus, encouraging prisoners into education is our biggest priority. Taking part in education whilst in prison, equips learners with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in society upon release as well as reducing reoffending rates. However, with the majority of learners having a negative view of education or having neurodiverse needs, it can prove quite difficult to engage them in education whilst in prison. 

Which is why, through our creative enrichment provision we are able to offer new ways of accessing education to engage learners who wouldn't engage otherwise. Although, our creative enrichment provision encourages learners into education, it also goes beyond that supporting learners with their mental health and well-being. 

Mental health and well-being in prisons

According to research conducted by the centre for mental health, nine out of ten prisoners have at least one mental health or sustance misuse problem. Addressing the mental health and well-being of learners and providing them with the support and services necessary is crucial for their successful rehabilitation. 

Creative enrichment to support mental health and well-being

Integrating culture into prison environments provides holistic support for learners mental health and well-being. 

Expression, creativity and identity

One key way is through expression and creativity. Engaging learners in cultural activities such as art, music, or writing allows learners to express themselves in a safe environment. This can serve as a therapeutic outlet for processing emotions, reducing stress, and improving overall mental well-being. 

Our creative enrichment projects also provide learners with a sense of identity. Participating in cultural programmes can help learners reconnect with their cultural heritage, traditions and identities. It can also provide learners with the opportunity to explore new hobbies and talents that they may never have had the opportunity to do, encouraging learners to invest in themselves and widen their experiences. This sense of belonging and purpose can enhance self-esteem, resilience, and overall mental health. 

A sense of community

From singing groups to cross-curriculum enrichment projects, our creative enrichment groups and projects provide opportunities for learners to connect with others who share similar interests or backgrounds. 

Building supportive relationships and social connections through shared interests within the prison community, can reduce loneliness and isolation, improving mental well-being.

Empowerment and rehabilitation

Creative enrichment programmes that focus on education, personal development and skill-building empower learners to envision a positive future beyond their time in prison. 

Enrichment programmes engage learners in education who wouldn't engage otherwise, and struggle with traditional methods of education. By doing this, it shows learners that they can better themselves and become positive members of society in turn reducing reoffending rates.

Collaborating with partners to provide new and innovative opportunities to support mental health and well-being

Over the last 30 years, we have had the opportunity to work with world-class artists and creatives to shape our creative enrichment provision. Through our fantastic partners and enrichment provision, we are always on the lookout for new and innovative projects that will support learners with their education and overall wellbeing.

 

HOME mental health awareness project

Recently, through the collaborative effort of HOME and HMP New Hall, learners at New Hall had the opportunity to take part in a mental health awareness project. 

Over six creative sessions with artist facilitators, Lucy and Cara, learners discussed and explored messages of care and support for the people they care about when they go through hard times with mental health.

The group reflected on the words and messages that have been most helpful to them in their lives, the things people have said and what they wish people would really say.

Learners experimented with printmaking techniques and started to enjoy the mindful process of using small Lego tiles to create individual, intricate and/or abstract designs onto a Lego board. The process was playful and experimental, with limitless layers of colourful results.

The individual designs came together to create a set of cohesive designs which were professionally reprinted. Each learner was able to keep a set of the completed cards and in the last session, the group had the opportunity to write their cards and share their messages of support for one another to keep for when they’re experiencing difficult times.

The project has culminated in an exhibition of the cards at HOME where visitors can see the cards for themselves and discuss the project. The exhibition is running from Wednesday 22^nd May until Friday 31^st May.

To learn more about creative enrichment provision, take a look at our new 2024/25 creative enrichment strategy.