Social readaptation of inmates in prisons located at the protected areas in the Podkarpackie Region
About this good practice
Physical activity in prison is an important educational tool and one of the measures in the social rehabilitation process. Outdoor recreation and outdoor work improve resistance to stress and fatigue, reduce anxiety and the risk of depression, and play an important role in preventing social pathology.
Meetings with inmates are aimed at, a.o.: developing sensitivity to the surrounding nature; increasing the knowledge about the need to maintain and protect natural resources and promoting physical activity as an important aspect for maintaining health. Joint activities are also aimed at preparing convicts to leave prison and minimizing the risk of returning to crime.
The Landscape Park Complex in Przemyśl and Carpathian Landscape Park Complex in Krosno, together with the Penitentiary in Przemyśl, the Penitentiary in Łupków and its external branch in Moszczaniec are involved in this action.
Both Landscape Park Complexes organize various forms of activity for convicts, e.g.: walking rallies, clean-up-the-world campaigns, cleaning up cultural places (e.g. orthodox churches), repair and renewal of tourist infrastructure on the routes, and installing nesting boxes for birds. Inmates also participate in lectures, competitions and do-it-yourself workshops, where they make birdhouses and feeders.
On average, 10 inmates take part in each such action.
From the beginning of the practice, about 300 prisoners took part in them.
Resources needed
2-3 people are needed each time, as guides for the group with good knowledge of nature conservation and its impact on human well-being. Costs include preparation of training/educational materials, repair materials and prizes for participating in competitions (total cost at one time is about €400)
Evidence of success
Prisoners willingly take part in activities and their awareness of the impact of physical activity and outside work on human well-being is increasing.
Since 2012, there has been no reported incidents during the activities implemented with the detainees. Many prisoners report a desire to participate in activities and those who have already taken part report a desire to participate again. Information from prison managers also indicates a positive impact of activities on detainees' behavior.
Potential for learning or transfer
This practice, due to its ease of organisation can be implemented anywhere in Europe. The initiative can also be replicated for other groups and institutions (senior citizens' clubs, nursing homes, etc.).
The problem is ensuring order and security during the activities, which is why small groups are organised with the protection of prison guards. The way such groups are organised may also be subject to transfer.
We don’t have data on the health status of the inmates after the activities. In order to provide results on the impact of organised activities on the health of detainees, the survey is being prepared in cooperation with the University of Rzeszów and will be conducted among inmates in Q4 2024. The another survey is being prepared also for the prison management.
Practice shows that participation in outdoor activities has a positive impact on prisoners: it relieves stress, reduces aggression, stimulates interest in environmental protection, teaches cooperation.
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