This study examines the impact of Geese Theatre’s Reconnect programme on the men who attended it.

Evaluation objectives:

1. to determine whether improvements would be observed on psychometric tests measuring self-efficacy, motivation to change, and confidence in a range of skills.
2. to determine whether behaviour and engagement within the programme would improve over the three days of the programme.
3. to examine individuals’ perceptions of the Reconnect programme and their plans for and thoughts about the future.

Significant changes were observed from pre-treatment to post-treatment in terms of self-efficacy, motivation to change, and improved confidence in skills i.e. social/ friendship, occupational, family/ intimacy, dealing with authority, alternatives to aggression or offending, and self-management/ self- control skills. Post-programme psychometric tests, behaviour ratings, and interviews were completed to assess the effectiveness of the programme.

'Reconnect' was developed by the Geese Theatre Company in 2005 as a theatre and drama group work programme addressing resettlement issues for offenders in prison who are approaching their release date. It uses theatre performance, experiential exercises, skills practice role-plays and metaphors such as the masks to invite the group to consider and explore issues connected with their release and re-connecting with a life outside prison.

Significant changes were observed from pre-treatment to post-treatment in terms of self-efficacy, motivation to change, and improved confidence in skills. Improved behaviour and engagement within the programme was observed over the 3 days of the programme. Interviews also revealed the positive impact the programme had on the participants.