Women experiencing mental ill health are swept into our criminal justice system. Their needs are not met in prison, leading to catastrophic levels of self-harm and a chance for recovery. Clean Break works in the community; using theatre to help women heal from past experiences & rebuild their lives.
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We have an acute mental health crisis in women’s prisons. In 2024, there were more than 3/5 women (62%) experiencing mental ill health, & 21k+ incidents of self-harm reported in the women’s estate. This is reflected at Clean Break, with 67% of our membership reporting a history of mental ill health. Evidence shows that specialist, gender-responsive community-based services are more effective to deliver positive outcomes for women & their families, reducing the chances of further criminalisation.
Our Programme transforms women’s confidence, wellbeing & sense of purpose through theatre-based workshops, holistic support, & additional creative opportunities, at our studios. Our Health & Wellbeing programme supports women to care for & ground themselves, teaching coping techniques through creative exercises. Trauma-informed support offers regular 1-1 meetings, art/talking therapy, advice surgeries, help with access to partner services, support with travel expenses, childcare costs & lunches.
