Raphael Rowe Foundation

Our vision is to end the dehumanisation of people in prison and build safer societies. We work with those who administer prison systems worldwide and inspire them to abolish dehumanising, degrading and dangerous practices, emphasising the health, education, and rehabilitation of those in their care.

Conflict is a persistent issue in prisons and poses a significant risk to both prisoners and staff members. This hostile environment presents obstacles to rehabilitation programs and improving overall prison conditions. To address this issue, it's crucial to tackle the root causes of conflict, including animosity between prisoners and staff members. Establishing a safer and more productive community may involve implementing conflict resolution programs, staff training, and providing prisoners with anger managment, opportunities to develop new skills and engage in productive activities. In some cases, it may be necessary to rethink the current approach and implement innovative solutions to make a transformative impact on prison enviroments that can benefit the wider outside community.

At HMP Swinfen Hall the Raphael Rowe Foundation introduced a pioneering initiative called Street Racket to a controlled voluntary number of prisoners and staff members. The initiative is much more than the opportunity to participate in a versatile bat and ball activity. It is aimed to encourage teamwork, with the goal of building bridges and developing positive relationships. By creating a positive and reduced stressed environment, rehabilitation outcomes can be improved, and the successful integration of prisoners into society can be achieved. The pilot project was designed to create friendly competition, unite prisoners and staff to foster mutual respect. It also provided an excellent opportunity for physical exercise and the development of communication and teamwork skills. The pilots impact was assessed through immediate feedback and a follow-up evaluation four months later to determine any longer-term benefits and measure its effectiveness in reducing conflict.

The introduction of the "Street Racket" program has had a significant impact on the prison community. By promoting meaningful interactions and a sense of community, the program has created a more positive and supportive atmosphere. The inclusive, cognitive, and collaborative approach has received positive feedback from both prisoners and staff. The coaching certification and the ability to manufacture rackets provide inmates with valuable skills and create internal jobs that could prepare them for reintegration into the workforce after their release.

The program's pilot phase has exceeded expectations, demonstrating its high level of effectiveness in enhancing the overall well-being and morale of both inmates and staff. It has also helped decrease tensions and conflicts. As a result, the program has already been expanded to other parts of the prison, with prison staff exploring ways to extend it to every cell block in the prison. Due to the program's impressive results, it is highly recommended that it be scaled up to reach a wider audience and have an even greater impact. The "Street Racket" program's successful model should be replicated in other prison facilities to promote positive change.

To do this we need your support. Please donate to help us implement Street Racket in more prisons.

£5 will assist our campaign to bring awareness of benefits sport can have improving prison communities.

£10 will go towards buying the equipment for prisoners and staff to participate in the Street Racket initiative.

£15 will assist us to run Street Racket in prisons across the globe to reduce conflict and violence creating safer communities.