Evaluation Title

Stitching a Future - an Evaluation of Fine Cell Work

Type of evaluation

Data type Qualitative

Evaluation Focus Attitudinal change, Behaviour change, Well Being

Key indicators Artform skills, Behavioural change, Financial responsibility, Mental Health, Relationships with families, Role of volunteering

Project output Arts-based workshops

Methodology Interviews

Summary of evaluation

An independent qualitative evaluation into the work of Fine Cell Work (FCW) in five prisons across England and Scotland, to identify the key benefits of being involved with FCW, establish why offenders participate and continue their involvement and investigate changes in soft outcomes such as behaviour, feelings about prison and attitudes towards others.

This initial evaluation is intended as the basis for developing an ongoing evaluation system covering statistically significant numbers of prisoners to assess the likelihood of Fine Cell Work’s reduction of reoffending. The four male and one female prisons covered were representative of the FCW demographic as a whole, and the prisoners interviewed also represented a cross-section.

Project description

Fine Cell Work trains prisoners in paid, skilled, creative needlework undertaken in the long hours spent in their cells to foster hope, discipline and self-esteem. In prisons all across the UK, inmates fill their hours embroidering highly-crafted cushions, bags, pictures and patchwork quilts.

Key Quote

Prisoners agreed that they do feel part of FCW and talked about a relationship based on far more than the chance to earn extra money, characterised by a desire to give something back.


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Arts Alliance Evidence Library