Reducing reoffending: participant journeys
At Unlock Drama, we use applied theatre to reduce reoffending, empower individuals and generate long-term social value.
This section highlights real participants’ journeys – from their first engagement with Unlock Drama in custody, through release, and into continued desistance from crime. These stories show not only personal transformation, but also the wider impact of rehabilitation done differently.
By tracking years out of custody and estimating public cost savings, we’re demonstrating the tangible return on investing in creative, person-centred interventions.
Each journey represents a life redirected – a future reimagined, and a measurable return on social investment.
Participant John
HMP Rochester 2015
We first met Participant John in HMP Rochester
Health & Wellbeing champion / peer mentor
- Supported the recruitment and mentoring of prisoners
- Advocated health and substance misuse awareness
Psychoactive substance awareness
Supported our psychoactive substance awareness project, helping to recruit and engage fellow prisoners
Black History Month Play
Developed and directed the Black History Month Play
released from custody april 2016
Speaker at Unlock Drama staff training day: 2017
- Joined our staff training day as a guest speaker
- Shared his rehabilitation story and inspired our team
Ongoing Artistic & advocacy involvement
- Acted in the films Stray Dog & The Aesthetics of Love
- Set to play “Homeless Bob” in an upcoming feature about homelessness
- An active, passionate advocate and ambassador for Unlock Drama
Years out of custody: 9.75 years
Estimated cost savings to society:
£382,800+ (based on annual custody cost estimates from 2016–2025)
WORDS FROM JOHN:
“From the first time I met Rebecca Boden; both you and your staff have helped me become the person I am today..The journey we went on was amazing, and it shows your work in rehabilitation works because read my journey on here and where I am today and how far I have come. If anybody wishes to support a social enterprise that seriously changes lives everyday through proper rehabilitation work then support Unlock Drama CIC”
Please note:
The estimated savings shown are based on average annual custody costs in the UK.
They do not account for additional costs such as court proceedings, police time, victim services, or community supervision.
The true cost savings to society are likely to be significantly higher.
