At HMP Swinfen Hall, the Raphael Rowe Foundation (RRF)introduced an innovative initiative called Street Racket. This simple yet effective bat and ball activity is designed to promote integration, inclusion, and rehabilitation among prisoners and staff. The success of the pilot project at Swinfen Hall has demonstrated the transformative power of Street Racket, paving the way for its expansion to other prisons globally.
‍

Partnership and Purpose

Street Racket is a multi-award-winning movement concept from Switzerland, designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of age, skill level, or physical ability. The partnership between the Raphael Rowe Foundation and Street Racket aims to create a positive environment within prisons, building teamwork, communication, and mutual respect. By providing a constructive outlet for physical activity, Street Racket helps reduce stress and improve mental well-being, which are crucial for successful rehabilitation and people leaving prisons reintegration into society.
‍

Pilot Project at HMP Swinfen Hall

The pilot project at HMP Swinfen Hall involved a controlled group of voluntary prisoners and staff members. The initiative aimed to create friendly competition, unite prisoners and staff, and develop positive relationships. The impact of the pilot was assessed through immediate feedback and a follow-up evaluation four months later.
‍

Evaluation and Impact

The evaluation of the pilot project revealed several key benefits:

1. Sense of Community: Street Racket fostered a sense of community among participants, encouraging collaboration and communication. Prisoners and staff reported improved relationships and a more positive atmosphere on the wing.
2. Reduction of Stigmas: The activity helped reduce stigmas and humanize individuals, improving empathy and understanding between prisoners and staff. This     shift from judgment to acceptance contributed to a safer and more harmonious environment.
3. Physical and Mental Well-being: Engaging in Street Racket provided a constructive outlet for stress, promoting both physical and mental health. Participants highlighted the importance of having activities that allowed them to socialize and achieve a sense of accomplishment. ‍

‍
Feedback from Participants

Feedback from both prisoners and staff has been overwhelmingly positive.

One officer noted, "It made me realize there is purpose in this… getting a bunch of lads together that wouldn't normally associate with each other and just having a bit of fun”.

‍A prisoner shared, "Because it's not a physical sport, it brought out more of our competitive side rather than our angry side, there were more laughs with it".

‍Future Plans and Global Scaling

The success of the pilot at HMP Swinfen Hall has set the stage for the global expansion of Street Racket. Plans are underway to introduce the initiative to other prisons, with the goal of creating a positive impact on a larger scale. The program's inclusive and adaptable nature makes it suitable for various environments, and its potential to provide leadership opportunities and employment pathways for inmates is significant.

‍
‍Conclusion‍

Street Racket has proven to be a powerful tool for promoting integration, reducing stress, and improving the overall well-being of prisoners and staff at HMP Swinfen Hall. The positive feedback and successful outcomes of the pilot project highlight the potential for this initiative to transform lives and create safer, more supportive prison environments worldwide.

By sharing this success story, we hope to generate awareness and support for the further expansion of Street Racket, ultimately contributing to the rehabilitation and reintegration of prisoners into society.

If you'd like to support the expansion of the Street Racket initiative and be part of the impact on prison communities around the world, consider making a donation or follow us on social media to support this transformative project.

‍