Supporting mental health and well-being of an aging prison population through creative nature-based interventions

Farrier, Alan ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4989-2209 , Baybutt, Michelle ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3201-7021 and Sayers, Jo (2024) Supporting mental health and well-being of an aging prison population through creative nature-based interventions. Ecopsychology, 16 (4). pp. 252-260.

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Abstract

This article focuses on an evaluation of a conservation and nature-based pilot project (BOOM) conduced in a UK local prison as part of the Greener on the Outside for Prisons therapeutic horticultural program. BOOM developed a tree and plant growing nursery where prisoners approaching the end of their sentences helped to restore endangered fauna and flora. They also engaged in tree-planting sessions within the prison grounds. Over 100 prisoners participated overall, with approximately a fifth of these going on to take part in an accredited course and engage in creative, arts-based activities related to nature as part of the project. Researchers carried out a series of focus groups with prisoners and staff who had taken part in prison-based BOOM activities during 2022–2023. In addition to BOOM staff, 18 prisoners were interviewed in four narrative-based focus groups, which gave participants a forum to discuss their experience of the project. A thematic analysis of this data has drawn out key themes in relation to health and well-being benefits of the project for an aging prison group and opportunities and challenges that arise from partnership working in this context. These health and well-being themes incorporate trust, connecting with nature, raising environmental consciousness, the value of creativity, and thinking beyond the gate. These findings have implications for future prison-based prisons project involving older prisoners, who are the fastest growing group in the prison population, and whose particular health and well-being needs are not currently entirely understood or met within the UK prison system.

Item Type:	Article
Journal / Publication Title:	Ecopsychology
Publisher:	Mary Ann Liebert
ISSN:	1942-9347
Departments:	Institute of Science and Environment > Forestry and Conservation
Additional Information:	Joanne Sayers, Project Manager Back on Our Map (BOOM), Institute of Science and Environment, University of Cumbria, UK.
Depositing User:	Insight Administrator
SWORD Depositor:	Insight Administrator
Date Deposited:	06 Sep 2024 09:12
Last Modified:	30 May 2025 08:00
URI:	https://insight.cumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/8380

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