This report presents and discusses the findings of an evaluation of an arts-based mentoring scheme that is aimed at prolonging and enhancing desistance from crime through providing former prisoners with opportunities to continue engaging with the arts after release. The evaluation focused both on the implementation and effectiveness of the scheme as the former influenced the latter. Different yet complementary research techniques (observation of mentoring sessions, interviews with mentors and mentees, analysis of mentor reports, and a survey-based quasi-experimental design incorporating control groups) were employed to strengthen the validity of the data and improve their interpretation.

The research found long-term positive effects on the mentored offenders, especially pro-social attitudes that reduce the likelihood of reoffending. Unemployment among the sample group fell from 50% to 33%.

Other benefits included: enhanced self-esteem, a greater sense of achievement and empowerment, improved learning capacity and motivation, and improved social skills.