In January 2024, we embarked on a 6-month pilot project at HMP Guys Marsh, Dorset. The project was funded with much thanks to the Allen Lane Foundation and HMP Guys Marsh.

​

The program was centred on learning, understanding, and collaboratively developing a robust emotional health and well-being framework designed for effective use within the prison population. The model used a combination of awareness-raising, education, skill-building, and evidence-based trauma-informed somatic (body) interventions, to support individuals in developing a new sense of self, and emotional competence and resilience. 

​

The pilot commenced with several key components:

• Classroom attendance every fortnight at a Stress-to-Strength Program

• Training in somatic intervention tools specifically Trauma Tapping Technique (TT) to support the management of stress and anxiety.

• Development of peer-led tapping groups to provide an opportunity for regular practice and help embed the somatic techniques within a peer-led ecosystem.

• Evaluation of the effectiveness and impact of the project to ensure its goals are met and to inform future projects.
   

The Arukah delivery team included two trained EFT practitioners and two facilitators, one of whom has lived experience with the prison system. It was anticipated that 45 men would go through the program chosen from cohorts of young adults, those struggling with addiction and domestic violence. ​​​​