Prison Reform Trust writing competition: voices from inside

Judges including Michael Morpurgo saw a record number of entries from incarcerated men, women and children, in spite of diminishing creative opportunities in UK prisons

The 2014 annual Prison Reform Trust writing competition attracted a record 624 entries from incarcerated men, women and children from prisons around the country. As one of the judges in the competition I am always pleased to see that, despite serious literacy issues among prisoners and the ever-diminishing opportunities to take part in creative activities, increasing numbers of people are still able and enthusiastic enough to put pen to paper to try to have their voices heard.

I know from my own experience how important writing can be to the prisoner. Constantly living inside your head with thoughts that torment and exhaust, writing allows you live outside your head a little and to get a more objective perspective on your situation. Thoughts become words on paper. Memories and dreams become poems and narratives which you can form and fashion and upon which you can build and reflect. This years short story winner Every Passing Moment written by Danny, encapsulates this perfectly. Every passing moment is another chance to start turning your life around, says one of Dannys characters, who could be speaking to the entire prisoner population when he adds, Use your present wisely, youre painting your future with it.

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