the growth project
a few words about
THE Growth Project CASE STUDY - HMP GUYS MARSH
AIMS
To examine and analyse which elements of practice promote growth within specific prison environments
To listen to the views of those who work and reside in prison in order to promote growth
To utilise this knowledge to create meaningful positive changes which can be sustained
LEVEL 1: CAPTURING THE 'AS IS ENVIRONMENT WITHIN A PRISON ESTABLISHMENT
This is a 6 Month Period where the time is spent in focus groups, informal discussions and observations. This period is also dedicated to the building of hope, through presentations, discussions and information given about growth environments and their benefits. At the end of this period an action plan is created to consider how the Growth Project could be implemented at the prison. This makes it meaningful to the individual prison and organisational needs.
The photo-essay research project takes place as a way to appreciate and understand current prison practice. It aimed to uncover those aspects of practice that promote growth. This involved both the staff and residents walking around the prison, capturing quality practice through photography. 5 photo-essays were created by each participant following a short interview.
There were over 200 photos used within the project and these were displayed in the sports hall, to highlight to the staff and residents which aspects of practice were valued and important. This was good for new staff and was found to improve the level of hope, at a time when the prison was struggling. This project was an innovative way to engage people in the conversation of prison reform.
LEVEL 2: CREATING A COLLECTIVE GROWTH VISION AND IMPLEMENTING THIS VISION
This period is all about action. As soon as the findings from Level 1 are collated, they are shared with the staff and residents and a vision is co-created, to improve ownership. A skills audit is carried out on all staff and residents at the prison and these are utilised to promote meaningful change.
During this Level, events are organised to showcase growth practices and every event is researched and shared with the staff, highlighting the benefits and how they can be improved in the future. During this time, information continues to be gathered through innovative research projects, to keep the line of communication strong between staff and residents and this is fed up to the management regularly, so that actions can be collaboratively discussed.
LEVEL 3: SUSTAINING CHANGE AND GROWTH
This is the last Level of the Growth Project and focuses on creating sustainable processes, so that growth can be embedded within the fabric of a prison. This ranges from departmental discussions surrounding how growth will continue in the future and be safeguarded.
Growth is designed into strategy, meeting agendas, recruitment and job descriptions, to ensure staff understand it is an expectation of their role that will bring several benefits. At the end of this period, PRS will provide guidance and regular reviewing opportunities, so that the relationship between the prison and PRS remain strong.
PRINCIPLES OF GROWTH
Meaningful Relationships
Connecting with Nature
Constructing a Positive Climate
Promoting Well-Being and Experiencing Joy and Peace
Finding Pro-Social Ways of Coping with Prison
Meaningful Work- Investing in People and Learning New Things
Experiencing Normality and Feeling Free