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Governor of Belmarsh, Claudia Sturt, says, "Writing is often cathartic and helps in the healing process. Within the Wilson Centre, the creative writing and poetry help disadvantaged offenders put into words many of the feelings, frustrations and aspirations that they encounter – whilst also receiving drug programmes to address their addictions."

Forty per cent of prisoners in Belmarsh are aged between 18 and 30 years, many of them fathers, and a number of them have serious literacy difficulties. Evlynn Sharp is Belmarsh's writer in residence and has run a series of creative writing courses in different parts of the prison over the last two years aimed at prisoners of all levels of literacy.

The residency is provided by the Writers In Prison Network that was set up in 1992 – since then, it has delivered over 100 residencies in prisons across the country, engaging prisoners of all abilities in creative and learning initiatives.

The Wilson Centre in Belmarsh is supported by the CARATS team – who work with offenders helping them to tackle substance and alcohol misuse. There is close collaboration among prison officers and staff to ensure well-focused initiatives.

In the Centre earlier this year, Evlynn organised the publishing of a book called 'Reflections', bringing together prisoners' poems. Mark Butler, a substance misuse officer says, "The reaction of prisoners was fantastic – the look on their faces when it was getting published was brilliant. They couldn't wait to send the book to their families to show they were doing something proactive and worthwhile. I think they got loads out of it." All the proceeds from the book will go to the Prison Advice & Care Trust (PACT) an independent national charity that works with children, families of prisoners, and prisoners.

Evlynn's courses have helped offenders to find some insight into their low self-esteem, inferiority, sadness, isolation. Often the creative writing is the result of practical exercises based on specific themes such as loss or loneliness.

Many prisoners talk about the writing group being therapeutic and something to try and attend in the week.  Paul says, "I've never done anything like this before. I get a right buzz out of this." Daniel has turned into a prolific writer, "Instead of holding it all in … I can write it all down, explode on paper. To be honest this is helping me a lot." For Eddie, the group's a way of escaping the frenetic pace in the prison, "It's always rush rush rush out there. I'm a natural worrier but when I come here I feel much calmer."