11 June 2026
The States of Jersey Prison Service has successfully delivered the Find Your Voice songwriting, singing and recording project on the female wing at HMP La Moye, through the Prison Education Department.
The initiative supports wider rehabilitation goals by strengthening skills that help reduce reoffending and support successful reintegration after release.
Funded by Soroptimist International Jersey and delivered by the School of Popular Music, five prisoners from a small residential wing of ten successfully participated in the project, demonstrating a high level of participation, motivation, and commitment.
The weekly group sessions used music to support emotional expression and wellbeing. Participants have been guided through the full creative process, from developing original song themes and writing lyrics to rehearsing and recording original material. The work has required listening, compromise and shared decision-making, helping to build teamwork and pro-social behaviours. Skills such as patience, focus, and constructive communication – critical both within custody and after release – have been central to the programme.
Find Your Voice has contributed to improved mood, greater cooperation and a more positive environment on the wing. Participants reported feeling heard and valued, with many completing a creative project for the first time.
Sanja Koppen, States of Jersey Prison Service, said: “Find Your Voice has made a meaningful difference to the women involved, helping them build confidence, express themselves and work positively together. We are very grateful to Soroptimist for their funding support and to the School of Popular Music for delivering such a high-quality and engaging programme, which has had a clear impact on wellbeing and the environment on the wing.”
Phoebe Collins, General Manager, School of Popular Music, said: "It was a pleasure to deliver the 'Find Your Voice' Songwriting course to the female wing. Watching them connect through their individual stories and learn about each other. as well as the songwriting process, created such a positive environment. They really learnt to move through challenging emotions, show up for each other and find purpose in telling their stories."
Debbie Taylor, President, SI Jersey, said: “Soroptimist International Jersey are proud to have funded the 'Find Your Voice' programme. Our mission is to improve the lives of women and girls by educating, enabling and empowering women through our activism. Music used as a non-judgemental, accessible tool has allowed the women to explore a sense of themselves and how they see themselves in the community. The skills which the women have learnt through this programme has helped them not only whilst in custody but will also be valuable after release.”
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