As soon as we stepped into the chapel at HMP Altcourse, it was clear this wasn’t going to be just another day. The room was alive with conversation, laughter, and a hint of nervousness -an energy that felt worlds away from the stark confines of a prison. In the middle was the biggest circle of chairs I had ever seen, and the walls were adorned with creative work produced during the Fathers Inside programme. It was a perfect setting to kick off a remarkable event.

Daisy, one of our dedicated SIG Safe Ground facilitators, quickly got the formalities out of the way and handed them over to the men who had been part of the programme. It was Phil, who began, sharing a heartfelt poem he’d written—a moment that set the tone for an emotional journey through the day. From that point on, each participant took turns describing their experience on the programme. Phrases like “vulnerability equals courage,” “lean in and have a go,” and “comfortable in the uncomfortable” were echoed throughout the room, capturing the essence of the transformation these men had undergone. Each reflection was a piece of the mosaic—raw, honest, and filled with hope.

A particularly memorable part of the showcase was the group check-in. Everyone gave a number from 1 to 10 and a word to describe how they felt at that moment. Laughter rippled through the room as one man shouted, “Linda was an 8 as well as late!”—a joke that broke any remaining tension, bringing the group closer. This was followed by a lively game of “Stop, Jump, Clap, Go,” which only added to the atmosphere of shared camaraderie. As things calmed down, we all took part in a writing burst and even found time for a quick rendition of “Turn Back Time”—a spontaneous moment that filled the room with laughter.

Toria Garbutt a talented poet who had been working with the group, then took to the floor. She shared a powerful poem about life inside, capturing the unspoken struggles and resilience of the men, and in doing so, provided a voice for those often unheard. Following her lead, each of the men presented their own poems, bravely sharing their vulnerability and creativity.

After the poetry, the circle of chairs was broken up to create a stage and audience, transforming the space for a short piece of Forum Theatre based on work done on the programme with Dan Boyden. It depicted two characters, Adam and Al, from the moment they entered prison to six months after completing the Fathers Inside programme. The scene portrayed them making phone calls to their partners, reading poems, and signing off with “See you in 12 years.” It was an honest portrayal of the emotional rollercoaster that comes with incarceration and a testament to the power of self-expression.

The showcase concluded with personal reflections on the Fathers Inside programme, and what struck me most were the words of one participant: “I was lost, didn’t know who I was, I hated myself. I have learned to forgive myself.” Another spoke of their journey: “It wasn’t easy, I stuck to it, and now I understand my triggers.” To wrap up, Steve, one of the men, passed around a mirror and said, “Take a look at yourselves—that is what we have done.” It was a moment of collective pride and self-recognition—a beautiful way to reflect on their journey.

The final poem, dedicated to the SIG Safe Ground team, was both heartfelt and humbling. This Fathers Inside showcase wasn’t just about creativity; it was about courage, vulnerability, and the unbreakable human spirit. It was a day that reminded all of us present that change is possible, that transformation can happen even in the most unlikely of places, and that above all else, we are capable of great love and resilience—even behind prison walls.

A heartfelt thank you to Daisy, Niamh, and Linda from SIG Safe Ground, whose dedication and passion brought this programme to life and enabled the men to make this incredible showcase possible.

Adam Shaw – Family Service Manager HMP Lowdham Grange