SIG Safe Ground at the Clinks and National Crime Justice Arts Alliance Event

About the Event

The Clinks Family Network and National Criminal Justice Arts Alliance (NCJAA) Anne Peaker Lecture joined forces for this year’s in-person event at Rich Mix Arts and Creative Hub. This event celebrated the vital role of the arts in supporting families affected by the criminal justice system. It brought together voluntary organisations, artists, researchers, and various stakeholders to explore creative approaches to aiding families and children impacted by parental imprisonment.

Highlights included a keynote address by Lord Michael Farmer and a workshop by Safe Ground, showcasing good practices and their work at HMP Altcourse. All Things Considered Theatre presented “8 Hours There and Back,” a powerful performance highlighting the struggles of children affected by parental imprisonment. This annual event honors Anne Peaker, a pioneer in arts within criminal justice, and provides a valuable networking opportunity.

Safe Ground Workshop Highlights

SIG Safe Ground conducted a 50-minute workshop for over 50 delegates, achieving the following outcomes:

  • Introduction to the Safe Ground approach, blending creative ideas, theory, and practice
  • Honest insights from HMP Altcourse, focusing on real experiences and lessons learned
  • Connecting Safe Ground’s work within the broader organisational context to foster collaboration and sharing of practices.
  • Practical engagement with the work, moving beyond intellectual exploration
  • Creating a fun and engaging environment

Our Commitment

At HMP Altcourse in Fazakerley, Liverpool, we are revolutionising family support for men in custody. Facilitating over 40,000 family visits annually, our initiative combines creative interventions, including our flagship 4-week program ‘Fathers Inside,’ bespoke family counseling, and daily support at the visitors’ center. Led by a dedicated Family Service Manager and a multidisciplinary team, we are redefining family support within the criminal justice system, driving innovation and new ideas.

This event highlights SIG Safe Ground’s dedication to the creative and compassionate support they deliver for families affected by the criminal justice system, fostering collaboration and driving cultural shifts within the prison system.

If you are a policymaker or working within the criminal justice system or education and are interested in exploring or partnering on this kind of creative, family-focused work, please get in touch with us at safe.ground@socialinterestgroup.org.uk