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This year marks 30 years of SIG Safe Ground, three decades of creative and deeply human work across the criminal justice system. As we approach this milestone, we’re taking time to look back at where we’ve come from: the programmes that changed lives, the stories that shaped us, and the thousands of men and families who trusted us enough to try something different. But anniversaries aren’t just for reflection. They’re also a moment to ask ourselves what comes next and what it will take to keep pushing for a justice system that is safer, fairer, and more compassionate.
One thing I’ve learned through this work is that real change only happens when we meet people exactly where they are, without shame, without judgment, and without the expectation that change should look neat or linear. The men and women we work alongside need compassion, creativity and community to navigate change, and they also need to feel genuine excitement about their futures. At SIG Safe Ground, we believe everyone deserves that. When we hold space for honesty, connection and imagination, people begin to see what’s possible for themselves and their families. And that is the heart of our work.
As part of marking our 30th year, we’ll be working with leading UK artists, our delivery team and people in custody to develop new creative projects that capture this moment in SIG Safe Ground’s story. Part archive, part provocation and part future vision, this work will explore two simple but urgent questions: What does it feel like to stand on ‘SIG Safe Ground’ today? And what must change over the next 30 years to build a criminal justice system that focuses on recovery rather than compliance? Some of this will shape a brand-new anthology, a collection of poetry, writing and reflections, created with men at HMP Altcourse, HMP Forest Bank and beyond.
This will be just one of several moments throughout the next coming months where we’ll be celebrating, questioning, and imagining alongside the people we serve. We’ll be hosting events, sharing stories, and shining a light on the power of creativity as a tool for connection, accountability and long-term change.
Scroll down to learn more about SIG Safe Ground but also keep your eyes peeled, there’s much more to come, and we’d love you with us as we step into the next 30 years.
Emma Hulme
Head of SIG Safe Ground
We’re highlighting the voices that have shaped our journey. One of those voices is Dan Boyden, our Arts & Learning Strategic Lead, who has been delivering programmes for over a decade and now helps steer our vision for the future.
In this special conversation, Dan reflects on what first drew him to Safe Ground, the transformative power of creativity in prisons, and why this work remains vital today. His insights offer a glimpse into the heart of our mission—and where we’re headed next.
Read the full interview and join us in celebrating the people behind SIG Safe Ground’s impact. [Full story →]
We’re reflecting on the programmes that change lives—not just for individuals in custody, but for their families too. Fathers Inside is one of those programmes, designed to restore relationships and reduce reoffending by helping men reconnect with their role as fathers.
With 54% of people in UK prisons being parents, the impact of incarceration on family bonds is profound. Fathers Inside tackles this head-on, using creativity, discussion, and therapeutic tools to break down barriers and rebuild trust. Strong family relationships don’t just heal hearts—they reduce stigma, improve mental health, and create pathways to a better future.
Learn more about why this work matters and how Fathers Inside is transforming lives. [Full story →]
Toria Garbutt is a poet and educator who collaborates with SIG Safe Ground. Since bursting onto the scene in 2014, she has been a regular tour support for Dr John Cooper Clarke, most recently on his ‘Luckiest Guy Alive’ tour, on which Toria performed extensively at venues across the UK and Europe.
In 2016, Toria released her debut album, ‘Hot Plastic Moon’, with spoken word label Nymphs and Thugs. In 2018, her debut poetry collection, ‘The Universe and Me’, was published by Wrecking Ball Press. Toria’s second collection, ‘Another Time in Space’, was published in December 2022. ‘Good Enough’ is from Toria’s first collection.
Toria delivers poetry workshops to a variety of community groups, schools, and prisons. She is passionate about using poetry as a vehicle for self-expression and connection.
Click HERE to watch a sneak preview of the upcoming documentary celebrating SIG Safe Ground’s 30th anniversary.
We’re shining a light on the stories that define our impact. One powerful example comes from HMP Forest Bank, where the introduction of Man Up? sparked conversations that challenge stereotypes and reshape ideas about masculinity.
What began as a programme delivery has grown into a movement for change—empowering men to question long-held beliefs, build confidence, and embrace new perspectives. The Forest Bank team has witnessed remarkable transformations, and their reflections speak to the heart of Safe Ground’s mission.
Explore their journey and hear directly from the facilitators about the impact of Man Up? on the men they support. [Read the full story →]
“Whilst imprisoned my son has focused on his own wellness and self-development. He has received significant support from Safe Ground so much so that upon meeting one of their staff members during a visit I burst into tears and hugged her. They have done more to help him than any statutory service he has ever come into contact with. I have seen huge changes in his communication and perception. He recognises for the first time that he can never use drugs again if he wants to have any kind of good life. He can acknowledge the impact of his actions on himself and on others. He no longer speaks to me from that addicted part of his brain.
Upon his release I believe that my son will immediately seek employment, and work towards a better life. He will be supported to do so by myself and my family.”
This year, Safe Ground celebrates 30 years of creativity, connection, and change. At HMP Altcourse, that mission came to life during the Fathers Inside showcase—a powerful event marking the culmination of a month-long programme exploring what it means to be a father in custody.
Through poetry, performance, creative writing, and group discussion, participants reflected on their experiences, learned therapeutic tools, and built a community committed to doing things differently. It’s a celebration of growth, resilience, and the belief that strong family relationships can transform lives.
Read more about the showcase and the voices behind Fathers Inside. [Full story →]
We’re also celebrating the incredible people who make our work possible. This month, we’re shining a spotlight on Ailsa Oakes, Family Service Manager at HMP Altcourse.
From managing pubs in South-West London to leading therapeutic programmes that strengthen family bonds and transform lives, Ailsa’s journey is a powerful reminder of the difference one person can make. Her story reflects the heart of SIG Safe Ground’s mission—connection, creativity, and compassion.
Meet Ailsa and learn more about her inspiring work. [Full story →]
For more details about our art-based intervention programmes and prison family services for people in custodial and community settings.
