HMP Woodhill Listening Event

Last month we welcomed our new Project Manager Sarah Akarolo to the Finding Ryhtyms team, and she wasted no time in experiencing our projects for herself having recently attended our listening event at HMP Woodhill to celebrate the release of ‘Time Soon Come’.

I had the pleasure of attending my first listening event since joining Finding Rhythms, at HMP Woodhill. To say it was amazing would be a true understatement! Bearing witness to how proud the participants were of the album they created is an image I will hold dear. It was a beautiful reminder as to why our work matters and the ability it has to uplift and evoke change. I was touched by a song called “I’ve been feeling” by one of the participants, which featured a Reverend. I was moved to tears when I heard the song as I could hear the pain through the lyrics, but also I was filled with such gratitude knowing that Finding Rhythms was able to provide a much needed safe space for the participants to express said vulnerabilities. 

“these men would stand tall, with their head held high and their chest out, knowing that God is on their side regardless of what they have done and regardless of what they are doing” 

My favourite line from the song was “these men would stand tall, with their head held high and their chest out, knowing that God is on their side regardless of what they have done and regardless of what they are doing” – Rev Karma is offering these men hope, despite their situation, despite their wrongdoings. He is offering them a new perspective, to no longer hold themselves as a prisoner of their past but to accept that they are still worthy of God’s love which I feel is very comforting to them all.

We will be returning to HMP Woodhill next month for our 5th project, which will also be part of Insight Festival 2023. The festival has an incredible line-up of over 400 free events and unique opportunities specifically for staff across the Criminal Justice System providing an opportunity to share knowledge and skills, and celebrate innovative practice across prisons, probation services, youth custody, and wider justice partners.

We will be holding a ‘Celebration of Music Collaboration to Improve Mental Health Outcomes’ on October 3rd. This event is open to all staff who work in the criminal justice system, more information and tickets here.