Reconnecting through creative writing.
Arthur has rediscovered a sense of belonging from inside his prison cell. In his words, his Coracle laptop has been “a lifeline” because it has allowed him to reconnect with the man he was, long before he was sentenced. His new digital skills have given him the chance to write down his experiences as a soldier. Even more, he has started to craft his first novel. Without his device, Arthur admits he would have stayed feeling “lost”.
Arthur’s story is not unusual. He was quiet as a child, and not very academic. He felt ignored in the school system and left when he was 17. He grew up in a place where he believed he had “no future” and thought his only option was to join the Army. Despite his choices feeling limited, he loved his life as a soldier and the sense of solidarity. He felt he was in a family that genuinely cared for him. So much so, that he served in the Army for 21 years. When he left, he immediately trained to join the Fire Service for many of the same reasons. He wanted to be part of a team and enjoyed the camaraderie.
Arthur is now determined to improve himself and reconnect with his life before he was in prison. He applied for a Coracle laptop to learn more about computers and build a new skill. He wasn’t very hopeful about getting a laptop, so said it felt like “winning the lottery” when he was given one. He started by playing chess, his favourite game. In fact, he beat the computer a few times and it gave him the confidence to try something new. So he started using it to put his thoughts into writing to help focus his mind and deal with difficult memories. Each time he writes, he says it improves his mental health. It also lifts his spirits and distracts him from worries about his health and mobility.
The Coracle Site Support Worker, who visits him each week, says that he is really “flourishing” with his laptop, and “loves using it every day”. He has embarked on a new creative project, to write a fictional story about World War 2. He confesses that he hasn’t written a story since school but, with the right support and encouragement, Arthur has surprised himself with how well the story and characters are unfolding.
Now, most weeks, Arthur has a smile on his face. He loves reviewing his writing with his support worker, and he especially enjoys printing it out so he can hold his work in his hands. Not every week is easy. He still has vulnerabilities and doubts how good his writing is. But his confidence continues to grow. He has taken on a job as a wing cleaner and says that although his legs “aren’t the best”, he takes his time and always tries to do the most thorough job he can.
Arthur has certainly discovered new digital skills through his Coracle device. But he has also rediscovered who he is. Through his creative writing, he has been able to connect to the things he loves, he feels more positive, and has become a more valuable member of the prison community.
*Not his real name, image for illustrative purposes only.
