Grants for musical instruments are boosting confidence and supporting positive wellbeing.
HMP Littlehey is a Category C men’s prison, housing only men convicted of sexual offences. Since January 2024, we have provided 25 Hardman Trust grants at Littlehey, supporting men in prison to develop skills, enhance their wellbeing, and prepare for life after prison.
In July 2025, staff member Jessie Walker, Programmes and Volunteer Coordinator, visited the prison to meet with recipients. The visit provided an opportunity to hear about their experiences and understand how grants are making a difference in their daily lives.
From the 10+ men who attended the meeting, an estimated £6,706.39 provided in Hardman Trust grants. Grants supported a wide range of items, including musical instruments, art materials, barbering tools, and reading/scanning pens to aid literacy.
Quick facts
- 25 grants provided since January 2024
- £6,706.39 in crucial financial support
- Average sentence served: 17 years 2 months
- 7 men provided feedback
- Grants supported: instruments, art, barbering kits, literacy tools
The people behind the numbers
Seven men shared feedback during the visit.
On average, they had spent 17 years and 2 months in prison, with sentences ranging from 11 years 6 months to 27 years 5 months. Many had been recalled to prison, with their original sentences significantly shorter than the time they have now served.
For these men, grants have offered much more than equipment. They have provided a sense of purpose, encouragement to pursue new skills, and a sense of hope for the future.
The wider context
Many men at Littlehey are serving Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentences, which continue to affect thousands of people across England and Wales.
As of 31 March 2025, there are:
- 1,012 never-released IPP prisoners
- 1,532 recalled IPP prisoners (HMPPS, 2025)
- Two-thirds of unreleased IPP prisoners who have served their minimum tariff remain in prison at least ten years beyond their tariff (MOJ, 2024).
Against this backdrop, opportunities for purposeful activity and personal development are vital. Grants are helping to provide these opportunities, even in challenging circumstances.
What recipients said
The men at Littlehey spoke movingly about the difference their grants have made.
On barbering tools
“It will help me for when I am released… something positive to do and a means of employment, plus mental health benefits.”
“It means I can get started with barbering sooner rather than having to save up for my kit. I’ll be able to work as soon as I’m released.”
On musical instruments
“It built my confidence to play live and perform. Being neurodiverse, it has helped me translate skills into other aspects of my life.”
“It’s helped me come out of my shell, mix with others, and learn something new.”
“I’m learning a new skill that keeps my head in a good place. My mental health is better, and I’m joining in with others.”
“It’s given me purposeful activity and allowed me to teach others. If applying for a grant, go for it — there’s nothing to lose.”
On art materials
“I want to set up a business as a marine artist. This will help me build confidence, manage risk factors, and ensure I never return to prison. My advice: find something you enjoy and turn it into a future.”
What staff said
Staff at Littlehey also described the benefits of the grant scheme.
They noted that grants have:
- Strengthened relationships between staff and men in prison.
- Helped staff understand how applicants use and value their items.
- Supported literacy assessments through reading/scanning pens.
- Provided evidence to share the value of grants across the wider prison estate.
These reflections show that grants benefit not only individuals but also contribute to a more supportive and rehabilitative environment within the prison.
Looking ahead
The visit to HMP Littlehey highlighted how relatively small grants can create significant change.
From barbering kits that open pathways to employment to instruments and art materials that inspire creativity and support mental health, these grants are making a real difference.
As one man reflected:
“With support and a little help, you can achieve anything you put your mind to.”
The Hardman Trust will continue to provide opportunities like these, helping people in prison to build skills, strengthen wellbeing, and prepare for positive futures.
Your support helps us provide more grants like these, opening doors to learning, wellbeing, and brighter futures. Click the link to help us support more people to reach their potential within and beyond prison.
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