HMP and YOI

Wild Science offers extraordinary experiences that positively impact individuals from all backgrounds. Both Her Majesty's Prison (HMP) and Young Offender Institution (YOI) are committed to rehabilitation and fostering a welcoming environment that encourages participation in these unique and inspiring opportunities.

Designed for participants of all ages, these programs aim not only to educate but also to empower individuals, promoting
personal growth, skill development, and community engagement. By embracing these experiences, all parties involved can benefit from a transformative journey that fosters understanding, creativity, and collaboration.

Engaging in activities within HM Prisons (HMPs) and Young Offender Institutions (YOIs) can yield a range of positive outcomes. Not only do they promote better mental and physical health, but they also help reduce the likelihood of reoffending. By offering opportunities like Wild Science, you can develop new skills and provide a path towards a brighter future. Moreover, the structured routines they create can bring a sense of stability, which is vital for successful rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

At Wild Science, we embrace a judgment-free environment, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for all participants. Our workshops are thoughtfully designed to be inclusive and adaptable, ensuring that we cater to the unique needs and backgrounds of everyone involved. We aim to create an enriching experience that resonates with each individual. Our team is dedicated to adjusting our activities and approaches to make sure that everyone feels comfortable and engaged, regardless of their starting point.

Animals:

What benefits do animals have in HMP and YOI?

• Reduced Stress and Anxiety:
  Animal interactions can lower cortisol levels (a stress hormone) and blood pressure, creating a calmer environment.
• Improved Mental Health:
  Animal-assisted therapy can help inmates cope with depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
• Increased Empathy and Social Skills:
  Caring for an animal fosters empathy and responsibility, which can enhance interpersonal skills and relationships.
  
• Sense of Purpose and Connection:
  Participating in animal-assisted programs can give inmates a sense of purpose and a connection to something outside their incarceration.
• Reduced Recidivism:
  Studies suggest that inmates involved in animal-assisted therapy programs may be less likely to re-offend.
• Enhanced Coping Mechanisms:
  Interactions with animals can help inmates develop and practice coping mechanisms for managing stress and difficult emotions.
• Improved Self-Esteem:
  Caring for an animal can boost self-esteem and provide a sense of accomplishment.
• Reduced Violence:
  Some studies suggest that the presence of animals can create a more peaceful environment, potentially leading to a reduction in violence within the prison.
• Opportunities for Learning and Skill Development:
  Inmates have the chance to learn new skills and develop personal growth through their interactions with animals.

Engaging Activities

Engaging with unfamiliar animals offers prisoners a valuable opportunity to explore and express their emotions, fostering a more profound sense of connection to the world beyond prison walls. This interaction can be particularly beneficial for inmates facing mental health challenges, autism, learning difficulties, or dementia. The presence of animals allows these individuals to experience comfort, companionship, and emotional support, which can be vital for their mental well-being. As they nurture and bond with the animals, prisoners often discover new ways to express their feelings and develop a sense of empathy, ultimately improving their social skills and resilience.

We offer an extensive variety of animal-related topics for your lessons, ranging from fundamental facts to in-depth explorations of animal adaptations. Whatever specific issues interest you, we can tailor our content to meet your needs. One of our most popular workshops is Animal Therapy, where participants have the opportunity to interact and connect with our animals. This gentle interaction fosters a sense of calm and comfort, creating a soothing environment for everyone involved. Whether it's through learning or bonding, we aim to enrich the lives of all participants with the magic of animals.

Science:

Wild Science offers an engaging array of science topics designed to ignite your curiosity and inspire you to explore new hobbies. These hands-on activities empower you to develop essential skills that will benefit you in the future. Engaging in these projects allows you to undertake rewarding challenges, helping you develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and creative skills. As you dive into these fascinating subjects, you'll find that each activity not only enriches your knowledge but also lays the groundwork for a fulfilling and productive reentry into the world around you.

But it's not just about what lies ahead; it's also about enjoying the moment! Getting involved in something new and different from your daily routine can be a great way to boost your mood and overall well-being. Additionally, it’s a fantastic way to meet new friends and strengthen existing relationships, fostering a supportive community. So why not dive in and see how much fun learning about science can be?

We offer science workshops where you can craft and create various objects, such as soaps, bath bombs, and slime. You can also embrace your inner mad scientist by conducting your chemical reactions and discovering the wonders of the natural world.

What we recommend for Holiday and After-school clubs:

Animals:

• Animals and Facts
• Minibeasts
• Animal Therapy
• Rainforest Workshops
• Nocturnal Animals
• A variety of other topics

Science:

• Science Show Mix
• States of Matter
• Science of Bubbles
• Fizz Bang Pop
• Slime Making
• Bath Bomb making
• variety of other topics, too.

While we suggest these topics for your event, we are also open to offering additional options. We can tailor our approach to match your preferences and ensure you receive the desired experience. Please note that specific topics may be more challenging to facilitate based on the number of attendees.

If there is a specific topic you wish to explore that is not listed on our website, do not hesitate to inform us. We will create a customised session for you.

Contact our office with your requests or any modifications you would like to make concerning a particular topic. We will gladly assist you with your needs.