The benefits of prisoner participation in interdisciplinary learning

Abstract

This paper considers the provision of an inter-disciplinary workshop day held for Social Work, Police and Nursing students at a UK university. The focus of the day was to give the students an insight into the reality of being a mother in prison, and the impact that having a mother in prison has upon children. A key feature of the day was the involvement of a group of imprisoned mothers from an open prison, who shared their experiences and engaged with students in small groups. The workshop allowed the stereotypes that the prisoners and student professionals held in relation to one another to be challenged. The planning, aims, process and outcomes of the day are considered along with feedback from those taking part. Students reported increased awareness of the stigma faced by this often overlooked vulnerable group of service users, an increased recognition of the needs of children with mothers in prison and an appreciation of the power of interdisciplinary working to deliver a good service. The imprisoned mothers welcomed the chance to educate the students about the issues faced by themselves and their children, and they found the experience of participating to be positive and empowering.

Keywords:

• Interdisciplinary learning
• imprisoned mothers
• stigma
• stereotypes

Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank Rachel Balen for having the idea for this workshop in the first place, and for having such a clear vision about how it would be planned and delivered. I would also like to thank other colleagues who were involved in the planning of and delivery of it: Dr. Kelly Lockwood, Dr. Christine Rhodes, Kath Padgett and Ruth Neville from the University of Huddersfield School of Human and Health Sciences; Inspector Kevin Robinson and P.C. Robert Winslade from West Yorkshire Police; Carol Burke MBE, now retired, but who was at that time Head of Family Services Governor at Askham Grange prison, and Graham Holgate, the Prison Officer who so skilfully facilitated the Prison Me? No Way! part of the workshop. In addition to this, I would like to thank the imprisoned mothers who kindly gave their time to courageously participate and for sharing their experiences so frankly.