PoetsINPrison - A Year On

PoetsIN is more than a company, it’s a movement. One that aims to rehabilitate and aid mental wellbeing through the power of words. For the past year, we have been working in HMP Peterborough, UK, working hard to fine-tune our creative writing workshops.

The following piece is written by one of our service-users. She joined us on week one of the program and is still working with us today. We couldn’t be prouder of the progress she has made.

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It's been one hell of a fantastic year!

For the past 12 months, I have been involved in a creative writing group run at HMP Peterborough. When I first started, I felt shy and uncomfortable.

I've always had a passion for writing, but I never felt I actually had any skill.

Through PoetsIN and the tasks and challenges set, I've not only found I have a talent and flair for prose, I have also found my voice.

My self-esteem has soared and now I feel like the sky's the limit.

Poetry - there was no way I was going to enjoy that.

True life - I never had the urge to tell my story.

Fiction - Didn't think I could put down my ideas on paper.

Yet a year later, I excel.

For me, learning new techniques and styles of writing has helped me to express my feelings, deal with the unknown, and beat my demons of self-harming.

Oh, I dip in and out of these negative, dark places; I wouldn't be human if I didn't. But the gaps of desperation and feelings of hopelessness are few and far between.

All of the work that is posted online on my behalf gets the most amazing feedback - of which I get a copy.

The words I read from my readers bring on more encouragement, tips, and advice than I ever thought I'd get. I expected criticism and belittling words at my perceived failures. I get the opposite of both.

I have now got a book deal, the chance of a lifetime. To write a novel and get it published is a heck of a challenge and I'm loving every second of it. The opportunities on offer to me, push and drive me towards working hard to get my parole.

Before all of this, I couldn't have cared less about a future I never thought I had

I'm now in a different prison, and through the grace of the gods, I can still write and get my work over to you.

I finally realise that I am worth more than rotting away behind bars. I have a purpose and can share with the world all that I can offer.

Every day I thank Sammie and Paul for coming into HMP Peterborough. I thank those who are dedicated to reading my words each week.

Every task I get, I put my all into it. I sit at my table, day in, day out, planning the next page, the next thought I can put on paper.

No longer does the razor blade speak for me upon my skin. The pen in hand calls me day and night.

I have been given a wonderful chance here and I have embraced it with open arms.

Bring on the tasks; let me enthral you with my mind.

No matter how cramped my hand gets from all of the writing, I will still go on. Because I am someone of worth.

@Squeakypeewee01 

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We have many residents who boast of their own journeys, along with staff who speak of our successes; we’ll leave you with one that we are most proud of.

PoetsIN have added tangible value to our education department. In the year that they have been delivering the creative writing workshops I’ve seen mental wellness increase, self-harm decrease dramatically, addictions handled, self-worth improve and marked positive changes in the participants’ behaviour and skills in preparation for their release. The measurements they provide are extremely valuable. I highly recommend them.

– Wayne Peters, Director of Education, HMP Peterborough

We aim to make a difference in many different ways. Through our methods, we can increase mental wellness; giving our service users new techniques and coping strategies geared towards depression, anxiety, stress, self-harm, low self-confidence, to name a few.

Whilst delivering the above psychological benefits, we are also teaching core skills; speaking and listening, equality and diversity, communication - both spoken and written, language and grammar, presenting an argument assertively and intelligently, along with appreciation of others' views and more, which all help our service users become more employable, sociable, and able to maintain healthy relationships with those around them. The modular nature of our groups can be tailored in many different situations and scenarios.

To get involved or to make a donation to enable us to reach more vulnerable people, contact us either here via direct message, or at poetsin.com.