'Biz in the Pris'

A very original and creative health initiative took place in Hydebank Wood Secure College and Women’s Prison last year that was co-designed and produced with people who live in custody.  As a result, it was decided to create a comic book that addresses health and wellbeing issues in prison.  A multi-disciplinary Steering Group was set up, involving people who work and live in secure establishments.  It was agreed that the first edition would focus on addiction - as this is a major issue in these settings.  A series of workshops was arranged with staff and service users to brainstorm ideas, artwork and story boards for the comic.  Crucial to this, was the involvement of a person who had previous lived experience of prison and is a volunteer artist for the Prison Arts Foundation.  Those in custody took the lead on character development, storytelling, artwork and, most importantly, relevant language.  The comic book focuses on the character ‘Diaze - Man’ who is addicted to prescription medication and his fight with his drug enemies - the Zolpidem Zombie King, Budzilla, Opioid Ogre and others.  He gets help from people who work in prison to overcome his enemies, and turns into ‘Mentor Man’, who is able to help others.  The comic was launched in November 2019, and work on the second edition begins in April 2020.  It also won the Public Health Agency’s Involve Fest Chairman’s Award 2019/20 for Best Community and Voluntary Initiative.  View a copy of it at: https://www.mhfi.org/BizInPris.pdf