Safe Ground, now called Social Interest Group is a national arts organization based in the UK that works within prisons and community settings. It was established in 1995 and has since become a part of the Social Interest Group (SIG). The organization's core mission is to use group work and drama to facilitate personal development and relationship skills. By creating safe and consistent spaces, Safe Ground aims to empower individuals to reflect on their lives, explore new perspectives, and ultimately reduce the likelihood of reoffending. Its work is rooted in the belief that strong relationships—with family, with oneself, and with community—are the key to rehabilitation and a successful life after prison.
Safe Ground's approach is distinct from traditional punitive methods of justice. Instead of focusing solely on punishment and control, it uses applied theatre and drama as a tool for personal growth. The programs are designed to be intensive and immersive, allowing participants to use creativity to work through complex emotions and experiences. Through role-playing, storytelling, and group discussions, individuals can gain self-awareness, develop empathy, and practice new behaviors in a supportive environment. The organization's focus on relationships, parenting, and identity is a recurring theme across all of its interventions, which are tailored to specific populations within the criminal justice system.
Safe Ground’s work is delivered through a suite of flagship programs that have been developed and refined over decades. Each is designed to address specific needs and challenges faced by different groups of people within the justice system.
Fathers Inside is perhaps Safe Ground’s most well-known and longest-running program. It’s an intensive parenting program for men in prison, and it was one of the first of its kind in the UK. The program is built on the understanding that strong family ties are one of the most significant factors in preventing reoffending. However, the prison environment often strains these relationships.
The program works with men to explore their own experiences of being parented and to consider their role as fathers from behind bars. It covers topics such as attachment theory, effective communication, and conflict resolution. A central element of the program is its use of drama and creative expression. Participants engage in role-playing exercises, write letters, and create presentations to demonstrate their learning. The program culminates in a celebratory Family Day where the men can showcase their journey and new skills to their children and families in a safe, structured environment.
The impact of Fathers Inside has been significant and has been evaluated by external bodies. According to the Ministry of Justice Data Lab, participants in the Fathers Inside course had a statistically significant lower reoffending rate compared to a matched control group of similar offenders. This evidence highlights the program's effectiveness not just in improving relationships but also in contributing to the broader goal of reducing crime. A study from 2016 also found that men who completed the course were less likely to reoffend, reoffended less frequently, and took longer to reoffend than a comparison group.
Tailored specifically for women in prison, Our Own Stories is a creative self-development program that uses group work to address trauma and identity. The program recognizes that women in the criminal justice system often have different and distinct needs, with many having experienced domestic violence, abuse, and mental health issues.
The program creates a safe, female-only space for women to reflect on the "stories they tell themselves and each other" about their lives. Female facilitators guide participants through discussions and exercises to explore issues of relationships, trauma, and identity. This work helps women understand how their past experiences have shaped them and empowers them to envision a different future. The program's methodology helps women develop skills in self-reflection and communication, leading to increased confidence and a greater sense of self-worth. According to an evaluation, a high percentage of participants felt more likely to seek further support and would recommend the group to others, demonstrating its positive impact.
Safe Ground also recognizes that the well-being of prison staff is crucial to creating a rehabilitative prison environment. The Officers’ Mess program is a unique intervention designed to offer structured peer support and supervision for prison officers. The job of a prison officer is highly stressful, and the constant exposure to conflict and trauma can lead to burnout and a difficult working environment.
The Officers’ Mess program aims to help officers understand and reflect on their own relationships with power, authority, and control. Through facilitated group work, they are given a safe space to discuss the challenges of their roles and to share experiences with their colleagues. The program's goal is to improve working relationships, foster empathy, and ultimately create a more supportive and humane prison culture. While the reoffending data for this program is less direct, its impact on staff morale and culture is vital to the overall effectiveness of a prison in promoting rehabilitation.
The common thread running through all of Safe Ground’s programs is its innovative use of applied theatre and group dynamics. This methodology, rooted in participatory and creative arts, is seen as a powerful tool for personal transformation. The process moves beyond simply talking about problems; it encourages participants to physically and emotionally engage with them through role-playing and performance.
This can be particularly effective in a prison setting, where conventional approaches to therapy or education may be met with skepticism. Drama provides a way to explore complex issues like trust, communication, and identity in a non-confrontational and engaging manner. Participants can step into different roles, rehearse new ways of behaving, and gain a new perspective on their own lives and the lives of others. The peer-led nature of the programs also builds a sense of community and mutual support, which is critical for people who may feel isolated and judged.
Safe Ground’s work is a testament to the idea that rehabilitation is a relational process. By fostering better relationships—between fathers and children, between women and their peers, and even between officers and their colleagues—the organization helps to create a foundation for lasting change. It demonstrates that meaningful intervention doesn’t have to be about punishment or control, but can be centered on empathy, creativity, and the power of human connection. The charity continues to evolve, constantly developing new programs and expanding its reach, guided by its core belief that everyone, regardless of their past, is capable of growth and positive change.
