Creative writing facilitation for therapeutic purposes in HMP
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An exploration of creative writing facilitation for therapeutic purposes within a female enabling environment: an action research approach
IRAS ID
349045
Contact name
Caroline Burnley
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Leeds Beckett University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 3 months, 1 days
Research summary
The action research project will provide service users, operational prison staff and clinical psychology staff the opportunity to engage in research focused upon an exploration of creative writing facilitation for therapeutic purposes in the female therapeutic provision, Rivendell service, HMP Newhall. This will be to explore benefits and limitations of this approach within this context. The action research project will focus upon developing pedagogy and therapeutic interventions within the realm of creative writing with female service users in this provision and identifying outcomes that may relate to the values of the Royal College of Psychiatry Enabling Environment Standards and Values;such as belonging, involvement, structure, development, boundaries, safety, communication, empowerment, leadership. Similarly situated within the context of strategic and research developments of the Offender Personality Disorder (OPD) pathway (2023 to 2028).This is a joint strategy between the NHS and HMPPS. The four high level aims of this are reduction in repeat, high harm offending, improved psychological health, well being, pro social behaviour, and relational outcomes. In addition the potential for improved confidence of and well being of staff as part of this strategic approach. The study will utilise some of the themes of the Enabling Environment framework and some of the OPD aims, such as relational outcomes, in the development of creative writing facilitation for therapeutic purposes as part of the research project
REC name
West of Scotland REC 3
REC reference
25/WS/0073
Date of REC Opinion
15 Jul 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion