Supporting Recovery and Mental Health in Prisons

At Unlock Drama, our commitment to enhancing mental health and supporting recovery within the prison system is manifest through our dynamic collaboration with prison healthcare teams, substance misuse, and drug strategy units. Our innovative approach involves the integration of theatre into recovery processes, creating a powerful platform for expression and education.

Our projects facilitate profound dialogues around substance misuse, helping inmates understand the complex interplay between their actions and their consequences on both personal and community levels. Through tailored workshops and performances, participants gain insights into the triggers of substance misuse and the rippling effects on families and society.

Transformative Impact on Participants:

Participants who engage with our programs often experience significant shifts in perspective and behavior. They report increased understanding of their mental health, enhanced empathy towards others, and a strengthened resolve to make positive life changes. This transformative experience is not just about self-improvement but also contributes significantly to reducing reoffending rates by fostering a supportive community atmosphere both inside and outside prison walls.

Collaboration with Healthcare Professionals:

Our work with healthcare in justice providers such as NHS England, Change Grow Live, DART and Practice Plus Group has been crucial. By integrating our theatre projects into the broader recovery and mental health strategies, we help alleviate the pressures on healthcare staff and enhance the effectiveness of traditional treatment modalities. This partnership allows for a more holistic approach to prisoner rehabilitation, emphasising the therapeutic benefits of creative expression.

Participant Feedback

Feedback from participants underscores the effectiveness of our approach:

• "This project helps to raise awareness about the negative consequences of using drugs…It is almost as if theatre opens a window to the soul."
  
• "It's given me a different perspective and insight on substance misuse how it affects people and the wider effects on the community."
  
• "Projects like this can help. Doing the play in front of everyone helped my confidence so thank you."
  

Unlock Drama remains dedicated to breaking new ground in the realms of mental health and recovery in prisons, continually seeking to expand our impact and support the rehabilitation journey of those affected by substance misuse. Through our work, we aim to transform lives and foster environments where recovery and understanding flourish.

‍rebecca@unlockdrama.com