Evaluation Title

Creating Change, Impact Study: 65 Individuals participating in five Women’s Centres across Hampshire (funded by HIOW CRC and Hampshire Cultural Trust)

Type of evaluation

Data type Qualitative and Quantitative

Summary of evaluation

This report aims to draw upon the relational qualities of applied theatre, applied criminology, psychology and sociology to interpret and present key findings from Creating Change. Methods of creative action for social change appear to achieve exceptionally rapid rates of engagement and personal growth and development with individuals, as well as probation practitioners working alongside them as equals.

Project description

This report aims to draw upon the relational qualities of applied theatre, applied criminology, psychology and sociology to interpret and present key findings from Creating Change. Methods of creative action for social change appear to achieve exceptionally rapid rates of engagement and personal growth and development with individuals, as well as probation practitioners working alongside them as equals.

Testimonies from all research informants clearly attribute bottom up and co-produced methods, as well as collective play, creativity and the active nature of the programme, matched with verbal deconstruction, for the positive impact the programme has on shifting attitudes, thinking and behaviour. Many Individuals begin to display increased ability to conceptualise, physicalise and deconstruct themes of self and identity, developing new pro social and strength-based narratives within the first four sessions of the programme (Stage One, Theory of Change model).

A similar programme delivered by the same facilitators presents significantly similar levels of impact with male prisoners/offenders in custodial settings, as with females in open settings. Considering these comparisons, this report presents the Creating Change model as a universal philosophy of effective working across criminal justice settings and genders.

Key Quote

"This isn’t acting, it’s just being yourself and learning through fun. Doing activities and then sitting down and working out what it means to us and how it relates to our lives - it makes you think about how changing certain things could change your life. I've found something different in me. It feels like counselling - it makes me think. Getting up and playing things out helps you picture your day to day life choices.”


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Arts Alliance Evidence Library