The Koestler Awards for arts in criminal justice started in 1962. Each year over 3,500 people in custody and in the community share their creative work by taking part. The Koestler Awards provide feedback and encouragement to entrants of all abilities in visual art, design, writing and music.
The team at Cygnet Hospital Stevenage have entered art projects into the awards for many years but this is the first time they have won platinum – the top prize!
The award was for a fashion show put together by service users on Tiffany Ward who are students of the Recovery College’s popular dressmaking course.
Laura Baker, Head of Occupational Therapy, said: “Congratulations to the service users from Tiffany Ward, Recovery College Lead Sally Brett, OT Kathleen Jarvis, and OTA Max Harding for teaching each other their skills, nurturing talent and Sally’s famous phase ‘learning together’.
“This project was the ultimate in collaboration with service users being at the very heart of the project all the way through from designing, teaching and modelling the clothes. Now they have the prestigious Koestler platinum award and a £100 prize for their amazing work!”
Over the course of a year, students made three dresses complete with accessories for the different seasons including bandanas, hats and ponchos. Creative service users worked closely with Recovery College Lead, Sally Brett, to co-design and co-facilitate the Make and Mend course and were instrumental in producing the fashion show.
Sally said: “When we told one of the students Claire* that we’d won, she jumped up and down with joy and had tears in her eyes. She couldn’t believe it!”
“Working towards the fashion show gave me focus and unleashed my creativity.”Claire*, Recovery college student
When asked what they will spend the prize money on, Sally explained: “Claire has been with us for over 6 years and is now preparing for discharge. She has been having cycling lessons as part of her plans to get back in to the community and she will put the money towards a bicycle.”
“The dress making course and subsequent fashion show epitomises Recovery College. Recovery College is about experiencing personalised learning together, where everyone is equally valued. Showing respect, being supportive and encouraging of each other in their recovery journey. And absolutely having great fun in the process! Sally Brett, Recovery college lead
Recovery Colleges offer AQA accredited educational courses designed to increase understanding of mental health and support people through their recovery, promoting hope, opportunity and aspirations for the future. Service users are empowered to become experts in their own wellbeing and recovery.
*name has been changed to protect their identity