Across the UK prison system, the relationship between health, rehabilitation, and recovery has never been more important.
Issues such as substance misuse, poor mental health, trauma, and social isolation are prevalent among prison populations. Addressing these challenges requires a joined-up approach between healthcare providers, drug strategy leads, prison staff, and specialist rehabilitation organisations.
At Unlock Drama, our Health in Justice programmes use theatre-based interventions to support individuals in recovery, encourage reflection, and create spaces where participants can rebuild confidence, connection, and hope.
Recent projects across multiple establishments have highlighted the powerful role that creative social prescribing and recovery-focused programmes can play within prison environments.
Health in Justice: A Creative Approach to Recovery
Many people entering custody have complex health needs. These often include substance misuse, mental health challenges, trauma histories, and disrupted access to healthcare services.
Traditional classroom-based interventions do not always reach everyone.
Unlock Drama’s theatre-based programmes provide a practical and inclusive alternative. Through storytelling, performance, and collaborative discussion, participants explore real-life issues such as:
- substance misuse and addiction
- recovery journeys
- harm reduction
- mental health awareness
- decision-making and consequential thinking
- restoring relationships and support networks
This approach allows participants to reflect on their experiences in a safe, non-judgemental environment, while building confidence, communication skills, and resilience.
For many individuals, these projects represent the first time they have felt comfortable enough to share their experiences openly.
Social Prescribing in Prisons
Unlock Drama’s Health in Justice work sits within a growing movement towards social prescribing within the criminal justice system.
Social prescribing recognises that wellbeing is influenced by more than medical treatment alone. Creative programmes, purposeful activity, and community engagement can play a significant role in improving mental health and supporting recovery.
In partnership with organisations such as Practice Plus Group, Unlock Drama has delivered projects that support participants through creative recovery pathways, offering opportunities for individuals to engage in meaningful activity while reflecting on their health and rehabilitation journeys.
Participants frequently describe these projects as providing purpose, structure, and connection, particularly in environments where meaningful activity can be limited.
Spotlight on HMP Millsike
Recently, Unlock Drama delivered its first programme at HMP Millsike, marking the beginning of an exciting long-term partnership.
The project focused on substance misuse awareness and recovery, allowing participants to explore their own experiences of addiction and the challenges associated with recovery in custody.
Across the week, participants worked collaboratively to create a performance exploring the cycle of addiction and the importance of support networks, staff engagement, and personal accountability.
The final performance was attended by members of the prison’s leadership and resettlement teams, followed by an open discussion where participants shared their reflections and insights.
The project highlighted the important role that purposeful activity, creative expression, and supportive environments can play in strengthening recovery journeys within prison.
A Powerful Testimonial from HMP Hull
Unlock Drama’s recent work supporting drug strategy initiatives at HMP Hull has also received powerful feedback from senior prison leadership.
The Head of Drug Strategy at HMP Hull recently shared the following reflection on the impact of the programme:
“Unlock Drama’s work at HMP Hull has been one of the most impactful and uplifting interventions I have seen in my time working in custody. Their team brought an atmosphere of warmth, safety and genuine humanity into an environment where men often feel guarded, isolated, and stripped of confidence. Over the course of the week, I watched participants arrive unsure, anxious, or withdrawn and leave with visible pride, connection, and belief in themselves.
The facilitators created a space where every man felt seen and valued. Many of the participants spoke about ‘feeling human again,’ forming friendships, and finding the confidence to express themselves without fear of judgement. For some, it was the first time in years they had laughed freely, taken creative risks, or felt comfortable enough to be vulnerable. The shift in group dynamics was striking: barriers dropped, support for one another grew, and men who barely knew each other at the start were working together with trust and enthusiasm.
The final performance was genuinely moving. Staff saw the men in a completely different light — capable, creative, reflective, and proud. The participants’ ownership of their stories, especially around substance misuse, demonstrated courage and insight that will stay with them long after the project.
Unlock Drama deliver more than drama workshops. They deliver hope, confidence, and a sense of possibility. Their work makes a measurable difference to rehabilitation, wellbeing, and the culture of the prison. I would welcome them back without hesitation.”
Feedback like this highlights the wider impact that creative health interventions can have within custodial environments, not only for participants but also for the wider prison community.
Supporting Recovery, Harm Reduction and Patient Safety
Programmes that focus on recovery, harm reduction, and health awareness are essential within modern prison environments.
Creative interventions can complement traditional healthcare provision by:
- encouraging individuals to reflect on the impact of substance misuse
- supporting motivation for recovery
- improving engagement with healthcare services
- strengthening peer support networks
- contributing to safer, healthier prison environments
When individuals feel heard, valued, and empowered, they are far more likely to engage with recovery pathways and rehabilitation opportunities.
Looking Forward
Unlock Drama continues to work alongside drug strategy teams, healthcare providers, and rehabilitation specialists to deliver innovative programmes within prisons across the UK.
As interest grows in Health in Justice approaches and social prescribing within custody, creative programmes are increasingly recognised as a valuable part of supporting recovery and rehabilitation.
We are proud to contribute to this work and grateful to the partners and participants who make it possible.
Together, we are helping individuals rebuild confidence, reconnect with their potential, and move forward on their recovery journeys.