Instead of gifts this year for my Scarily Big Birthday it would be great if friends and family would like to donate to The Koestler Trust. Many will know that I worked at Wormwood Scrubs for a while where the charity is based and would like to support their work in this way. I know from personal experience how taking part in art activities helps with mental health and building confidence and resilience.

Thanks!!

Since 1962 the Koestler Awards have played a unique, national role in motivating prisoners, secure hospital patients and immigration detainees to take part in the arts. The Koestler Awards are simple and powerful – we reward achievement, build self-confidence and broaden horizons for some of society’s most disadvantaged and marginalised people. Our work harnesses the uniquely transformative power of the arts to help individuals learn the skills and gain the confidence to live creative, positive and productive lives.