Following a post on the London Writer’s Salon noticeboard for members, I contacted the librarian at HMP High Down about delivering a flash fiction workshop. It piqued my interest to see how a workshop would be received by male inmates at the prison. High Down is a category C men’s training/resettlement prison which is why staff are interested the role volunteers can play in rehabilitation. Notable inmates at High Down have included Gary Glitter and former England cricketer Chris Lewis. The prison is situated close to Belmont in Surrey where I lived as a child from the age of two until eight years. Our neighbour was employed as a gardener when the site was know as Banstead Asylum, a psychiatric hospital. After gaining my shorthand and typing qualifications when young, I worked there as a temporary secretary. With this history, I was curious to see how things had changed.
The hospital was demolished in 1989 and a replaced with a purpose-built prison housing 1200 men. My abiding memory from the visit is the continual sound gates and doors being unlocked and opened and then relocked on our journey to the learning space.
There were 10 participants at the workshop who were all very keen to learn more about flash fiction. The librarian had warned me that there might be attempts to derail my plans but the group were easy to get back on task. They produced some really great pieces. Many read their work aloud for feedback and the whole experience felt very supportive. I credit the librarian for creative such a conducive environment.
Will I go back? Yes! The participants requested a return visit and I’m keen to see how their writing has progressed.
the writer is a lonely hunter 
Hello Gail, I believe your workshop is a great way to participate in the rehabilitation process and spread a little love around. Assuming that you are open to additional ideas, here’s one that may infuse passion: Ask the men to write down a topic on a slip of paper for everyone gathered to write about and then place it into a bowl. Once all the topics are gathered into the bowl, go ahead and randomly pick one and then read it aloud for everyone to hear. Set the clock for 10 minutes and let the writing begin! Make sure everyone puts their pencils down at the end of the 10 minute duration and have everybody (one person at a time) read their work aloud. Open the floor briefly for others to comment and then pick another topic from the bowl and begin again. Warning: This sort of creative writing circle could get out of control if you are not mindful, so as the overseer remember to be firm, flexible and compassionate. Steady as she goes.
Thanks for dropping by with your helpful suggestion. Sounds like that writing prompt could generate lots of interesting pieces.
I was tempted to apply for a job, working in a prison when I was an occupational therapist. It sounds as though you did a great job.
It was a rewarding experience!