Introduction: Opening the Door to Change
If you’d asked me a year ago how I felt about prison education, I’d have given you a tidy, textbook answer. I am not an educator in any setting. When I joined a project with DWRM and students in custody, I never expected my heart and mind to be so completely upended. This wasn’t just a project; it became a turning point, a lens that reminded me to see, feel, and change in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

Breaking Down Preconceptions: Real Understanding
Through my course, I thought I had a basic understanding of rehabilitation but had no clue what it meant to ‘help’ those inside – I didn’t even know if I could or if that was even an objective of the project. Confusing at best, but perhaps that was an asset – the walking in ‘blind’ approach. When I was first connected via prison phone link to a DWRM ‘student’ – yes, student, not ‘prisoner’—I realised this was real. Even though I had no firm preconceptions or expectations, my purview was incredibly narrow. Their stories weren’t statistics; they were living, breathing and expressed hope and heartbreak in equal measure. People who had done really ‘bad things’ were now my partners. Having never met, I was talking to them on the phone – voice only, and we needed to conceptualise and deliver digital output based on their experiences that could really help others in the future. There was no doubt amongst us that we were quickly and unmistakably kicked out of our comfort zones by this project. It demanded that each of us set aside any current or usual viewpoints and genuinely invest ourselves in what we could offer. We had to step beyond familiar boundaries and actively shape the project’s outcome together. This was a challenge, and we were going to succeed.

The Heart of Co-Production: Students and Equals
One of the most profound gifts of this experience was seeing what happens when you stop talking at people and start collaborating with them. I eagerly looked forward to every lively session with all voices heard – woven together in honest dialogue. We conceptualised a digital resource based on gamified learning and even plotted new paths forward. But more important than any tool or technique was the sense of equality. When you treat someone as a co-producer, not a recipient, you see – or in my case ‘hear’ them light up. The pride I heard in one student as he eagerly described how his ideas shaped our project. We celebrated every milestone as a team—cheering progress, sharing doubts through constructive debate, finding solutions together and importantly just chatting with each other.

DWRM: The Unsung Heroes
If there’s a beating heart behind this story, it’s DWRM. Their role was so much bigger than just ‘support.’ They were the invisible hands guiding us – myself and the co-producers – through every twist and turn. From practical details—facilitating emails, navigating red tape, smoothing logistics—to the intangible art of breaking down barriers, DWRM was a true advocate and champion. Their passion and commitment made the impossible feel possible. Without their relentless belief in the project and coordination, none of this would have happened. They saw solutions where others saw problems, and every day, their actions shouted, ‘we can do this together’ – to me and to their students.

Navigating Complexity: From Setbacks to Solutions
This journey was anything but simple. We faced hurdles I’d never contemplated—limited technology, shifting rules, and even a lockdown – moments when it all felt too hard. But DWRM, the students, and I refused to give in. We bent, adapted, sometimes stumbled, but always found a way forward – always with grace. Every challenge reminded me about the virtues of patience, flexibility, and resilience. I homed in on and noticed what wasn’t being said as much as what was. Together, we proved that one-size-fits-all doesn’t work; what matters is moving forward, side by side.

Personal Growth: The Lessons That Changed Me
This wasn’t just about helping others it was about personal lessons. As I listened (voices only) —really listened—I became more open, more compassionate. I love navigating the unknown – having to just ‘trust’ the process. Each session built a layer of understanding on the last, reminding me that true learning happens in the messy, unpredictable spaces. I embraced the challenge of ‘not knowing’. Most of all, I had the opportunity to remind myself that real change starts with seeing people – truly seeing them – and believing in their worth.

Conclusion: Lasting Change and a Heartfelt Call to Action
I leave this project forever changed. The impact isn’t just in what we built, but how I have been enriched: a better listener, a more flexible thinker, a person who knows that hope, dignity, and education can transform lives. I am endlessly grateful for DWRM’s unwavering support and for every student who trusted me with their story – thank you all. My challenge to everyone is this: look beyond the labels, break down your own barriers, and join us in reimagining what’s possible. Together, we can turn hope into action. Together, we can build change that lasts.

Elise B