Music Project at HMYOI Wetherby

Learners from HMYOI Wetherby have spent the past few weeks engaging in an exciting new music curriculum, which has seen them take steps towards starting their own groups and creating their own music! 

 Over the course of four days, 13 learners were guided by project leaders from The Irene Taylor Trust to create 11 original tracks from start to finish. Learners were taken through the entire creative process; from reading and writing music and lyrics, to performing, recording, and producing the songs that they had written. 

Based on feedback from learners after the project, 94% of those involved said they tried something new, whether it was playing an instrument, writing creatively, or even just speaking in front of others.  

94% of the learners were also reported to have followed instructions and positively engaged with the project, with many of the learners suggesting that they felt a boost in confidence levels and that they were comfortable to work in a group going forward. 
 
When asked to rate the impact and performance of the group throughout the task, Novus supervising colleagues were able to see the improvement of skills in team work, communication, motivation, and self-esteem throughout the course of the project. 

Can music rehabilitate offenders? 

At Novus, we’ve seen first-hand the transformative impact that arts and cultural enrichment provisions can have on our learners.  

In prison environments - where as many as 70% are suggested as having mental health needs at one point or another – it can be difficult for offenders to engage in learning, socialisation, and rehabilitation provisions.  

That’s why our creative arts and enrichment strategy is so important! By working in partnership with world-class artists and providers, we encourage learners to get involved with creative learning to develop social skills, as well as an appreciation for the world around them.  

This not only prepares offenders for reintegration to their local communities post-release but equips them with the skills they’ll need to navigate an ever-changing society, after spending time in custody.  

By setting our learners up for success after prison, our creative arts programmes encourage rehabilitation, lower the likelihood of recidivism, and help make local communities safer in the long run. 

Our creative partnerships 

Working alongside partners like the Irene Taylor Trust on creative projects enables us to engage our learners in an environment that is diverse, friendly and appealing; an important step in encouraging rehabilitation.  

Many of our learners have had negative experiences in mainstream education, so by encouraging participation in various subject areas and activities (with the help of our fantastic partners), we’re able to reignite their interest in learning. 

We’re proud of our partnership with the Irene Taylor Trust and can’t wait to see how it continues to encourage offenders to engage in learning.  

Learn more about our work in prison education, and if think you could bring something to the table, explore our Partnerships page to get involved today!