Richmond students work to improve prison communication

16/12/2005

Richmond students work to improve prison communication

On Friday 9th December 2005 in front of an engaged audience of University faculty and students as well as outside visitors, the graduating Seniors in Communications presented their work to Kate Quigley, Project Manager, Brixton Prison. Ms. Quigley was representing the Governor, John Podmore, who was unfortunately unable to attend. This is the second time that Richmond Communications students have been commissioned by the Prison to work on specific projects.

This time round, the students' work concentrated on ameliorating communications within the prison, particularly for the foreign nationals who form 37% and those who are illiterate who can form as much as 50% of the prison population. Working with images instead of language, the students tried to meet some of these particular prisoners' basic needs. Another group worked on designs for improving the exercise yard at the prison; another worked on a calendar to distribute in the local Brixton community and on an art project for the prisoners.

The students referred more than once to the unique opportunity they had enjoyed of having access to a prison, of meeting prisoners and prison officers and of helping to contribute ideas. It had been a priviilege, they said, to collaborate with the Governor and Ms Quigley, who were both such committed and inspiring people.

Kate Quigley expressed her appreciation and enthusiasm for the work presented and, once again, commented on the students' dedication and creativity.