We are now coming to the second week of our first ever Big House project. Through a mix of life-skills, employment skills, and theatre workshops, we’re covering everything from Anger Management and Healthy Relationships, Interview Techniques, CV writing, developing IT skills, Healthy Living, Nutrition, how to Avoid becoming Homeless and Managing a Budget plus much more.

There have been some really important insights from members – Coco noted in a drama workshop that “if you react using violence and end up in jail, you’re ultimately punishing yourself” and during an employment workshop Keiran talked about the stigma he feels when looking for work: “No one wants to employ us (ex-offenders), there’s no trust.”

The group have bonded amazingly well, and there’s a real family vibe. As everyone is so different, it’s been really interesting to see how all their varied stories have an impact on the play that is being developed with writer, Andy Day. Everyone’s learning a lot from the workshops and also from each other, making it a really dynamic process.

We’re delighted it’s going so well and that everyone’s having such a brilliant time : of one workshop Dominic said “I have never enjoyed myself so much in my whole life!” Laura can also see that she is really benefitting from being part of The Big House: “I really appreciate the network of support here… I’m learning how to channel my emotions differently. I wake up for The BIg House”

We are still running our Saturday drop-in workshops each week, so if you’re interested do get in touch.