Inspired by the pressures and issues of prison life, prisoners at HMP Guys Marsh have, supported by Weston College, written and developed their own play. Performing on 19th January, the play, Choices, is about the dark side of prison, looking at the issues of spice, bullying and harm. It is a powerful and hard-hitting script but it has a positive message …
Artwork, short stories and poetry from prisons around the South West of England have been exhibited at Leyhill Grounds coffee shop for the last two weeks. All the pieces exhibited were entries to Weston College’s regional competitions, organised to “Say Thank You” in recognition of the 100 year anniversary of the World War One armistice. Each prison in the region …
In another creative venture at HMP Guys Marsh, an exhibition of the work of the “Artist In Residence” helped to raise over £400 for the Royal British Legion. Using the “Say Thank You” theme of Weston College’s regional arts competition, Danny created a wonderful range of work commemorating the 100 year anniversary of the end of World War One. The …
HMP Erlestoke prisoners collaborate with Salisbury cathedral stonemasons on monument as part of Weston College Rememberance activities. Weston College learners at HMP Erlestoke have collaborated with stonemasons from Salisbury Cathedral to create a WW1 memorial that stands inside the razor-wire topped fences of their jail. Learners in the Wiltshire prison created the memorial together with seven masons from Salisbury Cathedral, …
Weston College has held a series of MasterChef-style competitions in prisons across the south west. Prison learners were taught a range of catering skills before putting them to the test and cooking a meal of their own. Prison governors then chose the winner after sampling the dishes. The day-long courses were designed to inspire learners and encourage them to consider …
The annual celebration of Weston College’s Offender Learning teams took place this September- culminating in the celebratory award ceremony for outstanding contributions by staff in their field. “Inclusivity: A Whole Prison Approach” was opened by Dr Paul Phillips, College Principal and Chief Executive, before handing over to the keynote speaker – Catina Barrett – who posed the question “What is …
Weston College has teamed up with two top Bristol chefs, Josh Eggleton and Adrian Kirikmaa, St Katherine’s School and Ashton Gate Stadium to create The School of Food, the South West’s new vocational programme for chefs. As such they have been visiting the South West prisons, inspiring Weston College’s learners there with masterclasses from some top industry representatives. The School …
Horticulture learners at HMP/YOI Portland have been working hard for many years now on various entrepreneurial projects – from growing vegetable baskets for donation to food banks through to their most recent project – creating an Armistice Remembrance garden. This latest project has got them regional and national attention for the amazing efforts and results which has culminated in them …
Weston College has become the first college to sign up to the national Ban the Box campaign. Candidates with a criminal record can now apply for jobs at the College with the knowledge that they will be assessed on their ability to do the job before any convictions are fairly considered. However, the same rules surrounding who can legally do …
Offploy work alongside Weston College across our prisons to support learners being released into sustainable employment. Dan was referred to Offploy after being released from HMP Guys Marsh in 2017 as he had been struggling to find work. Dan had completed his Counter Balance Forklift training through Weston College during his time in custody and was keen to find work …
