MORE than 400 people in Scottish prisons have taken part in a groundbreaking drama programme to reduce reoffending and improve prisoners’ mental health.
Glasgow-based arts charity Creative Change Collective has run its Anonymous Drama programmes in five prisons – including Scotland’s largest, HMP Barlinnie – since 2022. Every year, more than 200 people take part in groups developed by the charity in HMPs Shotts, Barlinnie, Low Moss, Greenock and Glenochil, aiding their rehabilitation and cutting reoffending.
Anonymous Drama is a drama therapy-type programme, where participants develop their own group script over the course of 12 to 16 weeks.
Some then take part in a rehearsed reading of their work in front of fellow prisoners, friends, family, support staff and external partners. The concept of Anonymous Drama is to allow people to explore their mental health and improve their relationship with themselves in a uniquely anonymous environment that makes the space less emotionally charged or triggering.
Participants develop fictional characters and scripts but do not reveal to each other which parts of the stories they choose to tell are made up and which parts are based on real life.
Participants at Low Moss, which has hosted the programme since 2022, took part in a rehearsed reading at the prison last Friday [August 2] to an audience of their peers, prison staff, friends and family.
Mark MacNicol, Creative Change Collective project director, said:
“I am proud that our work is playing its part in helping people turn their lives around and address some of the challenges that led to their convictions.
“The project gives participants a creative outlet, improves their communication at all levels and gives them a chance to reconnect with friends and family.
“It supports prisoners to learn new things, develop their confidence and sense of teamwork, and prepare for life outside so they are less likely to re-offend.
“I am always deeply moved by the transformation in the people who take part in our programmes and the power that the arts and creativity have to change lives and support rehabilitation. We are always looking for new partnerships and projects and would be delighted to reach more people through our work.”
One Low Moss group participant said:
“This is the second opportunity I have had to participate in the Creative Change Collective programme. My confidence has grown and it has allowed me to realise I can get a ‘buzz’ without taking drugs.
“Years in prison have impacted my confidence and self-worth, however, the drama therapy group has given me the belief that I can express myself and explore feelings I have been reluctant to explore in the past.
“Being part of the first group built my confidence to stand up and read in front of an audience, however this time round I have supported others on that journey which has been rewarding.
“Throughout the last three months on the group I have shared the progress with my mother as I am proud to be taking part in positive activities rather than telling her I have been locked up for long periods of time for my drug use.
“I am proud of my own progress and have hope, as I hear of guys getting out and attending Creative Change Collective groups in the community.
“Throughout my sentence, I have always thought I would get out and go straight back to the same old peers and habits I left many years ago, however, groups like Creative Change Collective have opened my eyes to a supportive recovery community of people who want the best for me.”
Karen Norrie, governor in charge at HMP Low Moss, said:
“We know that creative opportunities like the Anonymous Drama programme can give individuals a positive outlet to express themselves, build their confidence and improve their communication and life skills.
“All of these things support those in our care to make positive changes to their lives and better prepare them for life on release. We are grateful to the Creative Change Collective for the work they are doing here in Low Moss and look forward to continuing this great partnership.”
