Our work in prisons and detention centres
With the generous support of the Monument Trust and LankellyChase, Readers & Writers sends writers in to prisons around England. We work closely with prisons to create a bespoke workshop that works for the offenders. Once the workshop has been set up, we send the writer's book in to the prison - so that everyone has a copy to own (and get signed) and use in the workshop.
The workshop visit will often involve a reading by the guest writer and sometimes a writing exercise. Often the question and answer session that follows is full of varied and pertinent questions. We find everyone is left inspired and enthused - the offenders, the prison staff and the guest writer. We send writers in for one-off visits as well as programme longer-term workshops.
We are piloting new work with detention centres and looking for funding to allow us to develop this work longer term.
If your prison is interested in working with us, please contact Irene Garrow - our Readers & Writers Prisons Officer - on irene@englishpen.org or call 020 7324 2543.