STUDENTS STAFF Prison Partnership Project About the project The impact of the Prison Partnership Project in prisons and at York St John University. The Project in the Prison The York St John University Prison Project provides a continuous weekly programme of arts activity that develops participant's: Creativity Self-worth Interpersonal thinking skills Empathy awareness Group problem solving Rehearsal for life role-playing. Our programmes build on prisoner's existing strengths and potential and encourage positive engagement and creativity, in order to promote meaningful personal change and to support restorative justice. The project enables collaborative arts making to happen outside of the mainstream traditional theatre or educational learning space and looks at life beyond university and the prison walls. It aims to encourage a positive impact on the culture of the two prisons through its pro-social learning and group work approach, complimenting other reducing reoffending and resettlement activities within the prison. Co-designed with prison staff, the project offers choices of creative arts delivery and presents opportunities for co-evaluation and co-research in order to evidence the impact of the project and the value of the arts in the criminal justice system. The Project for the University The project encourages undergraduate and postgraduate students to engage with social justice. We facilitate on and off campus learning and offer an authentic real-life opportunity to students while studying. The university opens its doors to: Women who have been released on temporary licence (ROTL) from the open prison, engaging in resettlement arts Women post release, are signposted to access staff expertise, student collaboration, campus performance opportunities, technical equipment and library resources. The partnership project supports emerging student practitioners and artists in skills development within this area of practice, in realising the benefit and value of the arts for social change, gender responsive and trauma informed ways of working and the importance of a university's role in shaping quality arts within the criminal justice system. Our team Rachel Conlon Director of the Prison Partnership Project, Senior Lecturer in Drama and Theatre FIND OUT MORE ABOUT RACHEL Jessica Robson Catherine Birch Senior Lecturer: Music FIND OUT MORE ABOUT CATHERINE Campus and facilities How to find us Map London Campus Academic Schools Working with the community Jobs Donate or support Alumni Policies and documents Admissions documents Access and Participation Plan Academic dates Programme specifications Module documents Quality gateway Welcome guide for new students Coronavirus advice for students Back to the top York St John University, Lord Mayor’s Walk, York, YO31 7EX | Phone: 01904 624624 | Media: 01904 876466 Freedom of informationAccessibility statementModern slavery and human trafficking statement Modify © York St John University 2021 Cookie Settings Cookies on our website We use cookies on our website to analyse our traffic, provide interactive services, social media features and personalise advertising content. We may also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners.View privacy and cookie policy ACCEPT COOKIES Cookie Settings