The scheme is part of the 'Role Models' project which was formed by James Thomson and aims to use sporting role models from the basketball club to influence positive change.
Kirklevington Grange is a category D ‘Open Prison’ and with an operational capacity of 207.
Instrumental in setting up the project at Kirklevington Grange was Deputy Governor Chris Hounslow, who was aware of the work Teesside Lions do in the community and felt it could be replicated within the prison.
Mr Hounslow is a keen runner and cyclist, and values the impact sport and sporting role models can have on all members of society: “Sport is great for physical and mental wellbeing. It reduces stress, increases endorphins and helps people come together toward a common goal.
“Teesside Lions are a fantastic club and the work they deliver in the community has a major impact on people. I have witnessed this first hand and wanted to transfer this into the prison setting to have a similar impact. If we can change even one life, then we have succeeded”
The project involves seven-week windows of training with the reward of an exhibition game for those who pass the course. Uniforms are also provided to those who sign up along with certification upon completion.
Thomson is a director of Teesside Lions and founder of 'Game Time Role Models', and has been involved in basketball and community development for more than 28 years.
After meeting with Deputy Governor Hounslow, Thomson was enthused about the potential of adding a new branch to the Role Models tree: “Positivity breeds positivity and basketball is a vehicle that engages hundreds of people within our club multiple times per week.
"It brings people together from all walks of life and literally changes lives. I witness this on a daily basis, so when Chris mentioned his role and the prospect of delivering to prisoners I was immediately drawn to this.
“In many ways Role Models is an early intervention crime reduction initiative that aims to engage people, ideally at a young and impressionable age, to influence them on to a more positive path and away from a potential life of crime.
“While we grow old, we don’t lose the desire for acceptance, inclusion, affection and reward. It is important to show inmates that there is an opportunity for rehabilitation and that people do care.”
The project within Kirklevington Grange Prison works with the same ethos of using basketball as a vehicle to nurture positivity. It provides an activity that is different from the norm, but involves discipline, respect and teamwork.
The intention is that this will not only support adjustment upon release, but also enhance interpersonal skills and self-control to reduce re-offending.
The project launched last week and the feedback has been excellent.
“James delivered the sessions himself and the staff and inmates provided excellent feedback, which is very encouraging” added Hounslow.
.
.
Main image credit - Teesside Lions
