Creativity

Art, music, writing, dance, drama… you name it, it can help you to process your feelings and tell your own story.

‍

Involvement with the criminal justice system is awful. The stress, the fear, the uncertainty, the loss of control, the isolation... it's all horrible. But you are still you and you still have so much to offer the world.

‍

Having something to throw all of your frustrations, fears, passions and dreams into can have so many benefits:

‍

Improved mental health
Increased motivation
Reduced stress
Emotional outlet
Increased confidence
Reduced isolation
More social connections

‍

Different types of creativity appeal to different people.

‍

Some people enjoy group activities, while others prefer to create alone.

‍

Some people enjoy the noise and activity that come with music and dance, whilst others enjoy the quiet that comes with writing and art.

‍

Maybe you’ve never tried any type of creative activity and you’re scared you wouldn’t be any good - put that critical voice to one side and give them all a go until you decide the one you prefer!

‍

No matter the type of creative activity you choose to take up, it is likely to have many more benefits than we can list here.

‍

We’re lucky that in Scotland there are a number of charities that offer creative support for people who have been involved with the criminal justice system. We’ve highlighted some below. If you are aware of more, please let us know!

‍

A table with examples of appropriate language use

A table showing the notification periods for the various sentence types. Prison sentence of 30 months or more (including life), Indefinite. Order for lifelong restriction, Indefinite. Admission to a hospital subject to a restriction order, Indefinite. Prison sentence of more than 6 months but less than 30 months, 10 years. Prison sentence of 6 months or less, 7 years. Admission to a hospital without a restriction order, 7 years. Community payback order with an offender supervision requirement, The length of the offender supervision requirement. Any other sentence (e.g. a fine or admonition), 5 years.

Last updated:

March 7, 2024

Signposting

The following organisations offer support on this topic.

VOX LIMINIS

Vox Liminis are an arts and community organisation working within criminal justice, to spark fresh conversations and insights so that our responses to crime, harm and conflict might build or rebuild connections, trust and belonging rather than further divisions.

HEAVY SOUND

Heavy Sound transforms the lives of vulnerable and disengaged young people and adults across East Lothian, Midlothian and Edinburgh. They work with young people to improve their health, wellbeing and capability by teaching them new skills in music, biking, sports, life skills and mentoring, leading them into positive pathways to future destinations. They work with adults involved in the criminal justice system in HMP Edinburgh and in the community, building relationships and supporting them into services. Their lived experience mentors show people that change is possible.

NEMO ARTS

Nemo Arts is a charity that provides free creative classes for adults, and exists to support people in recovery from poor mental health. Our creative workshops have a focus on mental wellbeing, teaching people coping strategies and developing a greater understanding of their own mental health, where to get support and how to support others.

CITIZEN THEATRE

The Citizens Theatre provides an extensive programme of learning and participation activities, working with people of all ages and abilities and in institutions ranging from primary schools to prisons.

IMPACT ARTS

Tackling inequalities through Creative Engagement. Impact Arts deliver impactful creative projects that enrich lives, and consistently strive to: Improve Wellbeing, Improve Life Chances, Foster Creativity, Engage People, Empower Communities, Combat Loneliness

WRITING STRONG

A writing group for the benefit of family members (18+) of someone who has experienced "the knock" ("the knock" refers to an arrest for sexual offences involving children).

ARKBOUND FOUNDATION

The Arkbound Foundation is a charity that aims to widen access to literature and improve diversity within publishing. They run projects that empower people from disadvantaged backgrounds and deprived communities to get their voices heard, supporting books with important social and environmental themes. They mentor aspiring authors so that they can produce books that are widely read and which dispel negative stereotypes, whilst seeking to build resilience for the most excluded communities through the power of literature and journalism.

By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Cookie Policy for more information.

Preferences Deny Accept