Funded in 2011
Based in the West Midlands, project in Surrey
In 2010, the MVMF identified a potential Government funding shortfall for rehabilitation projects in prisons and set about looking for ways to help. High Down Prison had expressed an interest to our Chairman about working with the Geese Theatre Company, but needed funding support.
Geese Theatre Company is a team of actors and group workers who present interactive drama and conduct workshops, staff training and consultation within the Criminal Justice System. The company has an international reputation for innovative work with offenders and youth at risk and since 1987 has worked in more than 150 custodial institutions and with 42 probation areas, with more than 150,000 offenders and 30,000 other individuals.
The MVMF provided the necessary funding for Geese to run their ‘Re-connect’ programme in HMP High Down in February 2011. ‘Re-connect’ is a three-day drama based residency exploring the theme of resettlement. Using theatrical performance, experiential exercises, skills practice role-play and the Geese trademark metaphor of the mask, the group of offenders were invited to explore issues connected with release and re-connecting with a life outside prison.
We wanted to share the successful prisoner outcomes from the Re-connect programme with our supporters, and so the MVMF organised a fundraising lunch at The Clink Restaurant within the walls of HMP High Down on 31st March 2011. Role plays from the Re-connect programme were performed by Geese actors and a serving prisoner, the Prison Governor Peter Dawson spoke in support of the MVMF, and our guests tucked into a delicious three-course lunch prepared by The Clink prisoner chefs.
The event, attended by Lord Ramsbotham, the Lord-Lieutenant and High Sheriff of Surrey, Richard Stilgoe from the Orpheus Centre and the CEO of The Koestler Trust, Tim Robertson, raised in all £2,400. This enabled the MVMF to commission Geese to return to HMP High Down in September 2011, to deliver their much needed anger management programme ‘Insult to Injury’ to offenders.
