Anne Frank exhibition returns to HMP Downview

The Child Within, Francis Inglis, HMP Bronzefield
Art by Offenders - Courtesy of the Koestler Trust

HMP Downview (adult female and young offenders unit) Again, a really good event (13th- 24th August)– Eva Schloss was our guest speaker, and was really appreciated by all who attended her talk (approx 80-90 prisoners and staff) We also facilitated a very interesting and lively Free 2 Choose debate, as well as Leah Thorn’s Creative writing workshop. Eva’s talk was filmed, as was the Free 2 Choose debate. Hopefully we will get some of the film and (or) audio from these sessions.

A Letter to Anne Frank

Dear Anne




Though you and I have never met I feel that I already

know you, as though I know so much about you,

and yet so little.



You were so brave in your time,

more brave than even I could ever have been.



So full of life and joy, full of freedom, and happiness.



When I read about your life, all I could do was weep

tears of joy for you and then tears of utter,

uncontrollable pain at your passing.



Though we have never met, I wished that I had a

chance to get to know you, to know who you truly

were and what your life was really like,

from you and no other.



Sarah

Anne Frank exhibition visits HMP Grendon & HMP Springhill

Constant Watch, Dena Thompson, HM Prison Send
Art by Offenders - Courtesy of the Koestler Trust



Combined event in HMP Grendon and HMP Springhill. ( 30th July- 10th August) Both establishments are considered to be quite unique ‘therapeutic communities’. HMP Grendon is a closed prison with many of the prison community that have served long sentences but are now considered to be low risk and are coming to the end of their sentences. HMP Springhill, literally next door is a Cat D open prison. The highlight of this event was Eva Schloss’ talk in HMP Grendon, some of the prisoners had seen Eva before and insisted that I invite her to this event. This was a great success (approx 90 prisoners and staff attended), and Eva Commented that “it was one of the best ever” and on the closing day at HMP Springhill, the Governor Jamie Bennett, brought visiting dignitary lady Edwina Grosvenor to see the work that we had been doing in those weeks and to speak to myself and the prisoner guides.


· **The Grendon regime is unique, as the therapeutic programme is the core work of the establishment. The therapeutic programme is based on therapeutic community principles, where a dedicated multidisciplinary team of staff work together with prisoners, in an atmosphere where attitudes and expressions, which would not normally be tolerated in prison, are accepted and used to give feedback to prisoners. This therapeutic dialogue leads to prisoners' greater understanding of their usual behaviour. Grendon aims to help prisoners develop more positive relationships, to change how they relate to others and to reduce their risk of re-offending