By Peter Douglas
One art project at a time, The Basin Community House is helping to change the lives of Victorian inmates.
As well as winning awards and praise along the way.
Through its Visual Art for Employability Program, which operates throughout various locations in the Yarra Ranges, the Community House has achieved some incredible outcomes for male and female participants.
This includes results through the popular Creative Card Making for Women community work program, through which women learn how to emboss, design, hand stitch and create beautiful cards.
This particular program is based at Lilydale Justice Service Centre and operates one day per week, with Community House trainers leading the classes over the past two years.
Their great work was recently acknowledged with Corrections Victoria awarding the program runners-up for the Most Outstanding Location Based Project.
The Basin Community House’s Heather McTaggart said the program had exceeded all expectations.
“The learners – we call them learners, not offenders – have taken to this with enthusiasm and shown great initiative,” she said.
“Some learners would never have worked in a group setting; they’re very much out of their comfort zone.
“Employability skills are embedded into the program, such as literacy, numeracy and communication skills.
“It’s been a great way to reach these people; most would never walk through the door and ask for help.”
Ms McTaggart said the award came as a huge surprise, given they were up against 800 similar initiatives state-wide.
Also because the project is relatively new, originating after a chance discussion with Beverley Garratt from the Department of Justice and Regulation.
Ms McTaggart said it had been a win-win scenario, with Corrections Victoria and the Community House benefiting.
“Our philosophy has always been to extend our reach to those vulnerable learners,” she said.
“Many of the trainers have excelled in these classes, they’ve been shown great respect and developed strong relationships with the group.”
So far, about five art programs have been developed, which covers disciplines such as screen-printing, painting, drawing and more.
The card-making class seems to be one that has really resonated with learners.
One participant, who remains anonymous, wrote of the profound impact the class had on her self-confidence and overall wellbeing.
“When I began this program, I was nervous to say the least. I was, and am still, suffering from depression and anxiety and was lacking greatly in any confidence, especially in an area such as card making, as I have never been a creative person,” she said.
“This program has helped me in so many ways but mostly it has taught me that despite never having been creative, with some guidance and support … it is possible to achieve things I never thought possible.
“I was quite house-bound before beginning my community work through my anxiety and depression, and this class, along with others run through community work, has helped me regain the confidence each week to once again be a part of the community.”
