From prison cells to self-expression: how ASDAN and Odd Arts are changing lives through creative learning

“We’re not just doing drama – we’re building a space for people to reimagine themselves,” says Jo Lane, Senior Project Manager at Odd Arts.  

Odd Arts is a theatre-based charity that works with some of society’s most vulnerable groups - including those involved in, or at risk of entering, the criminal justice system. Their bold, trauma-informed and human-centred approach uses the arts to create meaningful change in prisons, probation services and secure units across the UK. 

A key element of their work involves delivering ASDAN’s Short Courses, particularly Expressive Arts and Leadership, which provide structured yet adaptable learning pathways that resonate deeply with learners in non-traditional settings. 

“It’s about changing mindsets,” Jo explains. “We help people look at their choices, their identity and the factors that have shaped their journey. From there, they can start to imagine different futures.” 

Building skills through creativity and participation 

Odd Arts uses Forum Theatre techniques, encouraging participants to explore real-life scenarios and actively ‘step in’ to change the outcomes. These sessions develop key life skills including emotional intelligence, teamwork, self-reflection and communication – all of which map seamlessly to ASDAN’s Expressive Arts Short Course. 

“Every single session we run could qualify for an Expressive Arts Short Course,” Jo says. “We're constantly developing skills – identity exploration, self-esteem building, emotional intelligence, teamwork, and creative expression. These are life skills.” 

For learners who have struggled in traditional educational settings, this participatory, strengths-based approach can be transformative. 

“Many of the people we work with haven’t felt successful in school. They might struggle with reading or writing, but they can articulate powerful stories, ideas, and feelings through performance. That’s where ASDAN is so valuable, as it allows for that kind of flexibility.” 

Adapting for complex environments 

Delivering ASDAN courses in prisons and secure settings requires creativity and flexbility. Conventional materials - such as stapled or personalised workbooks – are often prohibited or impractical. Odd Arts has developed innovative ways to gather and record evidence of learning. 

“We use flipcharts, creative writing, role play, group reflection – whatever helps participants engage and communicate their progress,” Jo explains. “Sometimes we collate group evidence rather than individual portfolios. It’s about meeting people where they are.” 

Certificates are adapted too: since named documents often cannot leave prison settings, ASDAN provides blank certificates which facilitators personalise and present on site. The impact is often profound. 

“For some people, it’s the first certificate they’ve ever received. One person asked us to laminate his certificate straight away - it meant that much. Another told us: ‘Thank you for changing the way I think.’ That’s powerful.” 

The launch of ASDAN’s new digital learning platform in autumn 2025 will provide further opportunities for flexible delivery. Designed with accessibility in mind, the platform supports ‘teaching by stealth’ – allowing learners to develop skills informally while educators track progress and gather evidence digitally. It will significantly benefit those working in transient or restrictive environments, where traditional resources aren’t always viable. 

From resistance to leadership 

Jo reflects on one participant's story, illustrating the potential impact of this work. Initially disengaged, he slowly came to life during a spoken-word and rap project. He later returned to co-facilitate sessions, achieved both Expressive Arts and Leadership certificates, and asked to continue working with Odd Arts after his release. 

“By the end, he came back for a second round, stepped up as a mentor and earned both the Expressive Arts and Leadership certificates. After his release, he reached out and asked if we would mentor him further.” 

That participant is now working with youth organisations and mentoring others. He even performed at an Odd Arts charity event, speaking about how the experience sparked a desire to use his own story to help others. 

“He’s now mentoring others and performing publicly about his journey. That’s what it’s all about – giving people the belief and tools to create change, for themselves and for others.” 

Supporting transformation through trust 

Odd Arts’ work is firmly rooted in values of trust, inclusion and compassion - values that align strongly with ASDAN’s mission.  

“When people start out resistant, and then by the end they’re buzzing, performing and reflecting on their emotions – that’s when you know it’s working.” 

 Advice for other organisations in the criminal justice sector 

Jo encourages other teams working in the sector to explore the benefits of ASDAN’s approach: 

“Speak to ASDAN’s team of experts – you might be surprised by how much your current work already aligns with their Short Courses. And remember, you don’t have to change your whole model, you can tailor and adapt things. Start with one module and build from there.” 

ASDAN offers a broad suite of Short Courses, providing flexible and engaging ways to recognise achievement across a wide range of subject areas. Over 20 of these courses – including Expressive Arts and Leadership – have undergone a substantial review and will relaunch in autumn 2025. These refreshed courses will be available on ASDAN’s new digital learning platform, offering updated content, enhanced accessibility and even greater flexibility for educators and learners alike. 

Creating pathways to a new future 

At its core, Odd Arts’ work is about possibility: for connection, healing and imagining new ways of living. 

“We’re working with people who have been through trauma, exclusion and marginalisation.” Jo says. “ASDAN helps us recognise their growth without forcing them back into systems that didn’t work for them.” 

And for many, the experience is life-affirming. 

“One person said, ‘It’s made me realise there’s more to life than drugs.’ Another called it ‘medicine for the mind.’ You can’t ask for better feedback than that.” 

Explore our suite of Short Courses and see how they can support your learners. Interested in becoming an ASDAN member? Get in touch with our team of experts.