In the past year, of the participants who have experienced One Spirit projects and mentoring support in:
100%
said they enjoyed the session
100%
declared they had learned something new
91%
declared increased self-confidence
+70%
of those who had mentioned issues with anger / frustration at the project start declared the project had helped
82%
said they felt better about the future
100%
of those questioned (approx. 60% of all participants) remarked how the project had helped their well-being/mental health
Of the participants who continued to receive mentoring support in custody and access the mentoring programme once released from custody
100%
of participants said they enjoyed the activities (even if at first they said they “weren’t sure if this was for me”
100%
said they learned something new
91%
have NOT reoffended in 6+ months
25%
are in employment
69%
are in education / college / FE
FUNDERS:
Impact
Feedback from Prison Staff and Partners
“Your work is really valuable to us and as such we are happy now to embed it and the outcomes into the music pathway here on Education A. Keep it coming!”
“We have seen an increase in focus, attendance and positive feelings about themselves. They desperately need this outlet to achieve and rehabilitate – this is what HMDT does so well and why we’ll be eternally grateful for their amazing work. ”
“We have seen an increase in focus, attendance and positive feelings about themselves. They desperately need this outlet to achieve and rehabilitate – this is what HMDT does so well and why we’ll be eternally grateful for their amazing work.”
– HEAD OF EDUCATION, OAKHILL STC
“What stood out to inspectors was the fact that you were able to open up and remain a safe environment during much of lockdown providing a much-needed outlet for our young people. You were one of the few agencies to do this and this was appreciated hugely by the young people we work with and practitioners alike. Furthermore the fact that you continue to work with young people after their Order or YOT involvement is complete provides us with an excellent ‘exit plan’ for our young people and means that they continue to engage in positive activities. It was also noted that through the excellent work you do in Oakhill and HMP YOI you have been able to offer some continuity for our young people from your work with them both in the community and in custody- this is hugely comforting to them at a time when they feel most alone and vulnerable. Basically, just a big thank you for all you do – please keep doing it!!”
“I really enjoy supporting you on your projects, because it’s the only time I see the boys in their true personalities and really working and enjoying themselves.”
– PRISON EDUCATION STAFF
“Thank you for the fantastic project. Staff, students, and visitors were truly impressed. It was great to see you have developed a model that perfectly supports our new curriculum. We have already seen positive changes re confidence and behaviour in our learners since the event – further evidence of the project’s success. Looking forward to our continued partnership.”
“Your mentoring programme is really important and is doing good work. I heard about it through one of my cases still in Feltham, so that shows how well you’re getting through to some of these young men.”
– PRISION STAFF
“I like it when the lads are on your projects they always behave better and seem more confident in themselves.”
“Your work really helps our learners put what they’re learning into perspective and prepare for release back out in the community. Long may it continue.”
“Keep up the good work, you have a strong effect on these boys; they all seem to get on better with each other when they’re working with you.”
“If you are interested in Hackney Music then let me tell you what you are getting yourself into Hackney Music is a one hour session where your use of words can help you let go of 1,000 years if steam and anger. Through the different beats to the sick rhythms you can portray a mixture of emotions, from your happiest days to your saddest nights. Not only does Hackney Music help you with emotions you learn to use different words and it also helps you in a musical sense. From a personal opinion at first I had no interest in Hackney Music. I saw it a waste of my time, or something that only a set of people can do but after some sessions with Charlie I have realised that it helps me slow my brain pace down as I am a very fast person. Overall it is nice though to have time to slow down take a breath and make art.”
– ONE SPIRIT MENTEE
Letter from a One Spirit mentee
Feedback from Mentees
“Without the project I would be back in jail. It’s turned me into a philosopher to look at my life and see other kids at risk and see how they can stop themselves doing the same thing.”
– MENTEE INTERVIEWED BY CHILDREN IN NEED
“You guys are good and you’re right ... The project was really good and it definitely helped me to feel better about myself and what I’m doing here.”
“I’ve got to show you love still, cos if it hadn’t been for you, I would never have done the apprenticeship or got this job, so thanks. And we’re still gonna work together on music.”
“Thanks, you definitely helped me get through the time when I was on the YOT after I came out.”
“Thanks to everyone on the team over the past few years, I wouldn’t have got all this done and got to Uni without you. From way back when I first met you in Workshop 5 all the way through to working with you on the outside now, you’ve really helped me a lot. Keep in touch, yeah?”
– ONE SPIRIT MENTORING PARTICIPANT
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HMDT Music, twice winner of the prestigious Royal Philharmonic Society Award for Education and winner of the Excellence in Music Theatre Award is a leader in creating inspiring projects for young people, particularly those facing challenging experiences, through which it aims to enrich learning, broaden awareness of and help fight inequity and transform lives.
