How Creative Projects in Prisons Support Rehabilitation and Personal Growth

At Novus, we believe education should open doors, build confidence, and inspire change and creative enrichment plays a vital role in personal development for learners in custody. One example of this in action is the Tetra-Pak printmaking workshop delivered by HMP Humber’s GRAFT studio in November, centred on the theme of Remembrance Day 2025.

This innovative workshop offered learners the chance to transform everyday materials into meaningful art. By using the inside of empty milk cartons, participants explored creativity, sustainability, and self-expression, all while developing new technical skills and engaging in reflective learning.

Turning Waste into Art and Insight

The Tetra-Pak etching session focused on creative transformation. Learners were invited to turn discarded packaging into works of art, encouraging them to rethink waste and explore artistic expression. The Remembrance Day theme added depth to the workshop, prompting personal reflection on memory, resilience, and renewal.

Participants used simple etching and printing techniques to produce their pieces, gaining confidence in creative methods and fostering a sense of ownership over the artistic process. This hands-on activity also reinforced the importance of sustainability and environmental awareness, key themes in modern education.

Real Voices, Real Impact

Feedback from those who took part highlights the workshop’s positive effect:

“How easy is it to use everyday objects to make art and also to learn how the process works to print on my own in the future.”

“I will do this in the future as a hobby and as a good way of keeping the kids quiet too.”

“I’ll have good memories of this workshop and will also be able to show my children how to do this.”

Learners also shared that creating art helped them see value in materials often overlooked and inspired new ways of thinking.

These reflections show how enrichment activities can boost confidence, nurture creativity, and connect learning with life beyond custody.

Benefits of Creative Enrichment in Custody

Programs like the Tetra-Pak workshop deliver benefits that extend well beyond the classroom:

1. Personal Expression and Wellbeing

Art provides a therapeutic outlet for emotions and reflection, supporting mental health and self-awareness.

2. Practical Skills and Confidence

Learners gain new abilities — from printmaking techniques to project planning, that can translate into hobbies, future education, or employment opportunities.

3. Community and Collaboration

Group workshops create a collaborative environment where learners support one another, fostering positive social connections.

4. Environmental Awareness

Using recycled materials highlights sustainability and encourages learners to rethink everyday waste.

Creative enrichment projects such as the Tetra-Pak printmaking workshop help learners in custody grow academically, emotionally, and socially. They demonstrate the power of education to transform not only skills but also perspectives and future possibilities.

At Novus, we are proud to support initiatives that enrich lives and open new paths forward, proving that education can inspire hope, confidence, and lasting change. For more information on other projects, please visit our news section.