being able to connect others . Another possibility is that the restricted nature of secure settings limits community contact . This is something to investigate further as the project continues .
Yet , there were clear examples of participants making positive contributions to their communities . This was most acute over the winter months in Polmont HMYOI when young people were spending up to 23 hours per day in their rooms . Without the project interventions the young people would have struggled both personally . Yet the work done by delivery partners has combatted what must have been severely isolating circumstances . All the material was created in their rooms , in response to individual tasks set by workers . The culmination of the year was when six young men created an audio poem in response to the theme of Time [ see excerpt on inside cover page ]. They were sent copies of the script as the piece evolved . In the end they wrote 6,000 words on the theme . The final recording will be broadcast on the prison radio in April and entered into the ‘ Koestler Awards ’ in the spoken work category .
The response was incredibly positive , as these quotes convey :
OMG ! That was brilliant ! I didn ’ t know what to expect and it was amazing . I like how it came together . Young person
My initial reaction was surprise as I genuinely didn ’ t know what to expect but it ’ s pretty philosophical . I ’ d describe it as a thought-provoking piece on the passage of time and the constraints we face because of it as well as our ability to feel nostalgia . Young person
I liked TimePiece and the first time I listened to it my thoughts were that it was touching and helpful and made me understand some things a bit more . I feel it was about family and friends and life . Young person
The benefits of taking part in the Juke Box radio show when he shared :
“ I ’ m more self-confident and believe I have something to say that is worth listening to .”
One of the Strand 3 community partners highlighted the Scotland-wide reach that was achieved through digital engagement , because of the pandemic :
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