Prisoner Learning Alliance awards
On 13 September, the Prisoner Learning Alliance (PLA) held its fourth annual awards for staff and mentors making a difference in prison education. This year the PLA received a record 1,300 nominations from people in prison, over three times more than in 2017.
Winners included librarians, gardeners, art tutors and peer mentors.
One winner was Lesley Bennetts, an Art Tutor at HMP Swaleside. Nominations said: “She creates a space that is safe and secure that inspires tolerance and empathy, and enables prisoners to engage meaningfully with one another across an incredible range of issues.”
A lot of learners have never touched a paintbrush before they come in, but around 90% then apply for arts materials grants afterwards. I’m only a catalyst – it’s great to have given them that means to express themselves.”
Lesley Bennetts
Image courtesy of Borderline Books
