Criminal Justice

‘Helped me understand real world problems that could occur and what they could result in.’
“Thought it was very powerful. Should be mandatory for all staff (UK wide and government)”

“I learnt how to combat different situations and I feel like my voice has been heard.” Community project participant“. I was feeling down before the session but now I’m happy” Community project participant. “I have loved the discussions and activities around strength and what it is to be strong and how to be assertive without being aggressive”

“That was fantastic! You had some of our hardest to reach young people in that session and they were the ones who engaged the most. Thank you!” Education Participant “I find that I often don’t take the support I’m being offered either. I don’t know why I do that. But I think we both should. We should get some support, so we can feel better”“I always thought getting mental health support would be horrible, but now that I’ve done these sessions with Odd Arts, I feel like I can trust a mental health worker and tell her some of the bad things that happened when I was young.”

“It’s one of the few times in prison where I feel like people actually listen and understand without judging.” Wellbeing Your Way Participant. “In here, it’s easy to feel forgotten, but these sessions remind me that I’m still a person. We’re treated with respect and care, like our voices matter. Being creative is soothing and fun ”  Wellbeing Your Way Participant “It feels like a safe space and that’s hard to find in prison” Wellbeing Your Way Participant

“What I most enjoy about volunteering at Odd Arts is the opportunity to connect with other volunteers and staff members and also getting involved with the volunteering activities on hand.”

“Volunteering for Odd Arts was a highlight of my summer; the volunteers and kids were all wonderful to work with. Making, playing, and moving all together reflected how important getting together to create is! I would 100% recommend.”

“Odd Arts is an incredibly welcoming and inspiring place to work. I felt embraced by a team of passionate, creative individuals who genuinely care about each other and the work they do. Getting to know everyone and collaborating with such thoughtful, talented people made a lasting impact on me”

“Being a volunteer in the summer programme meant meaningfully connecting with the amazing, creative young people of Hulme, and getting to work with the lovely staff at Odd Arts as well. I feel more engaged with my creative side and inspired to create and write my own dramatic work. I’m really grateful to everyone at Oddarts for giving me the space to lead my own drama sessions with the young people.”

“Being part of this wonderful team feels incredibly meaningful and rewarding. Everyday is different and I find myself enjoying participating in different opportunities and meeting the loveliest people. Volunteering at the Creative Coffee sessions inspires my own creativity and it is great to see in others too. I’m excited for opportunities to come and very grateful to be a part of a fantastic initiative!”