Freedom Workshops
“I have found confidence and faith to do better and better myself”
— Prisoner at HMP Wealstun
Freedom workshops were delivered throughout 2015 and 2016 in the community and in adult, male prisons. They were arts-based workshops that aimed to give the prisoners and people with convictions a sense of freedom within their lives. Using drama as a stimulus to improve the participants skills, whether that is to improve their confidence or team work skills or to to look at victim awareness, the workshops are designed around the participants specific needs.
“Freedom Workshops have made me look at my future in a positive way when I’m released from prison” – Prisoner, HMP Wealstun
Freedom Workshops have been delivered to people with convictions within the community of Leeds at Interplay Theatre and the probation service as well as to prisoners within HMP Leeds and HMP Wealstun to outstanding results.
“The best thing about Freedom Workshops is seeing the prisoners starting to think positively about their futures” – Nicola Wilson, National Careers Service
Freedom Workshops gave participants a taster of what it was like to engage with the arts and were flexible to fit organisations and clients needs and differed in length (from 2 hours to a full day) and content (from focusing on employment skills to exploring self narrative). “Through Freedom Workshops I have got more self esteem and my confidence has grown. It’s been really good” – Prisoner, HMP Leeds