Irish Prison Service (IPS) Process Day 21st May 2025

On Wednesday 21st May 2025 the Recovery College held a Process Day for the Irish Prison Service (IPS). The event was held in the Solas Room in the U Building on the Glasnevin campus of Dublin City University.

Breaking Ground: Recovery Colleges Take Root Across Four Prison Sites

On 21st May, staff from four prison sites (Dochas, Castlerea, Midlands and Cork) came
together for an inspiring and thought-provoking Process Day—a key milestone in the
development of Recovery Colleges within the prison system. This wasn’t just a training day; it was a deep dive into a transformative journey.

Through powerful, non-formal facilitation, staff explored what it truly means to deliver
Emancipatory Recovery Education. They engaged in open, honest discussions around
power, trauma, and the real challenges both they and the people in their care face. The day created a safe and energising space to imagine what’s possible—and to confront the
realities—of implementing a Recovery College model behind the walls.

Staff immersed themselves in the five core pillars of the Recovery Framework:

● Connect, Create, Participate
● Trauma-Informed and Dual Diagnosis Training
● Open Dialogue Sessions
● Boxing Clever
● Recovery Coach Training

The day sparked reflection, ideas, and a renewed sense of purpose. Most importantly, it
helped staff see the potential for Recovery Colleges to become spaces of hope,
empowerment, and real change—for both prisoners and themselves.

And the journey is already underway.

On July 1st, 15 women in the Dóchas Centre became the first to begin the Connect, Create, Participate course. Designed for those who have experienced mental health challenges and/or addiction, this course is all about empowerment. Participants are encouraged to take control of their recovery, and for those who wish, there is the opportunity to become trained peer facilitators themselves—moving from learner to leader.

The ripple effects are already being felt. As confidence grows, so too does the potential for
these women to lead future courses, creating a powerful cycle of peer-led recovery within
prison walls.

The Recovery College model is not just being introduced—it’s being lived. And it’s only just
the beginning.