Glasgow Science Centre delivers workshop to Barlinnie prisoners

Community-centred educational charity equips prison residents with essential life skills.

Glasgow Science Centre’s Community Learning Team have been meeting with prisoners at HMP Barlinnie to deliver a workshop that teaches vital skills and coping mechanisms, as part of a new pilot project.

Barlinnie’s Prisoner Peer Support Group, is the first of its kind, and aims to support individuals, who are due to be released in the coming year, by giving them the opportunity to develop their skills-set, engage with outside organisations and boost their self-esteem in preparation for leaving the prison.

Glasgow Science Centre’s craft-based workshop Choice Theory/Quality World gives individuals the opportunity to think about how they control their behaviours and actions to promote positive mental health and wellbeing.

The Science Centre’s experienced Community Learning Coordinators will also use positive exercises in the workshop that help prisoners to reframe their mindset and focus on the future, not the past.

Commenting, ahead of their visit on Wednesday, Glasgow Science Centre’s Community Learning Coordinator Sheena McDonald said:

“At Glasgow Science Centre we believe that learning and education is for everyone, and work with community groups across Glasgow and beyond to help equip people who may be marginalised or isolated in society with essential skills to help them live life well.

“Our outreach programmes are one way we can, as a Glasgow landmark, give back to our diverse communities in a meaningful way that aligns with our charitable mission.

“We really enjoyed working with Barlinnie Prison to deliver these workshops and hope that the inmates we engaged with feel well-equipped and ready to live their lives in the fullest way possible once they’re released.”

Michael Stoney, Governor in Charge at HMP Barlinnie said: “We are grateful to the Glasgow Science Centre’s Community Learning Team for including individuals in Barlinnie in their innovative outreach programme. Their recent workshop was attended by our Prisoner Peer Support Group; a newly established group that seeks to better prepare individuals for release by giving them opportunities to meet, share experiences and engage with a range of different organisations and services.”