The Therapeutic and Regime Benefits of the Gavelliers Club at HMP Grendon

Evaluations of custodial art-based projects have
indicated improvements in prisoner well-being,
perspective-taking, self-esteem and selfconfidence.
One art-based project that had not
been previously appraised was the Gavelliers Club
at HMP Grendon. While this was introduced as a
‘public speaking’ regime activity, given that it
takes place within a therapeutic community
prison, could there also be wider therapeutic
benefits? Twelve prisoners and members of staff
were interviewed in a study designed to begin to
explore this question. Results revealed
improvements in a number of key areas for those
who participated in the Gavelliers Club:
confidence, team-working, self-esteem,
perspective taking, problem solving,
communication skills, improved attitudes and
motivation to change. Gavelliers Club participants
therefore experienced both an enjoyable,
constructive regime activity and wider therapeutic
benefits. These improved attitudes, increased selfawareness
and enhanced interpersonal skills
enriched community relationships and enabled
participants to address better their treatment
targets.