The Bullingdon Community Connections Project, which commenced in November 2022, was established to address the challenges faced by people leaving prison and to help reduce reoffending through stronger community connections.
The project continues to focus on linking individuals with a wide range of voluntary and community organisations across Oxfordshire, enabling access to positive social networks, volunteering, training and wellbeing opportunities.
Inside the prison, there has been a steady increase in activity, with more community organisations now delivering workshops, creative sessions and wellbeing programmes. These initiatives not only build confidence and skills but also help individuals prepare for a successful transition into community life.
Origami really takes off
GLAM – The Gardens Libraries and Museums of the University of Oxford – are one of the community organisations who provide purposeful activities at HMP Bullingdon.
Sarah brings in objects from university collections for curious handling and inspired conversations, with groups in the prison. Another very popular purposeful activity is origami. Both take place in the prison library run by Oxfordshire County Council. It was great to see a beautiful flock of origami cranes created at Bullingdon, and curated by GLAM, featured in “The Wonder of Birds” exhibition at The Weston Library of the Bodleian!
