A Message in a Bottle

A Message in a Bottle is a collaborative project from Novus, Manchester College and HOME as part of a Creative Enrichment programme for learners.

Using discarded and found materials readily available in prison, three separate-but-connected projects have emerged from the Creative Enrichment programme exploring recycling cultivated by Novus since Oct 2024.

Displayed at HOME’s Inspire Gallery from Mon 17 Mar - Sun 8 Jun, the exhibition showcases work from the three groups of learners, all of whom are aiming to raise awareness about recycling, and encourage and inspire others to reuse or recycle.

Learners across five prisons based in the North West - Buckley Hall, Risley, Hindley, Liverpool & Thorn Cross – represented group one, participating in Novus’ Family Learning project from October - December 2024.

Offering an opportunity for learners and their families to engage in art, the project was run using a ‘family learning’ delivery model. Participants worked collaboratively with artists on-site to initiate the process of making artwork using single-use plastic bags, each with a personal message. A wallet was also made and included a short story based on a recycling hero, which was gifted to their families.

As part of their family day, prison learners applied techniques learned and developed in class to lead educational activities with their family members. This helped the learners to feel empowered and provided both the learners and their families with a meaningful connection to education and a more structured visit. Projects like this play a vital role in supporting family relationships and prisoner rehabilitation, helping children cope with having a parent in prison.