Access to Activities in Belgian Prisons: Addressing The Needs of Incarcerated People Through Participatory Action Research

Participation in prison activities significantly normalises the detention period. Work for example provides daily structure, meaningful engagement, and the opportunity to earn money. Education can lead to diplomas and has the potential to empower individuals.3 There is a high demand for sports activities among incarcerated people, as they enhance physical and mental well-being. Mental health services in prison can offer a chance for many incarcerated people, who may have never received psychological help before, to identify and manage their mental health issues. Additionally, the library provides access to important information and books and could serve as a valuable source of distraction.

Meaningful engagement in these activities can be a crucial need for incarcerated people. In its absence, people may perceive their detention period as wasted time, posing a significant threat to their mental well-being and hampering their chances for reintegration. This article highlights various barriers identified in this research that prevent people from participating in these activities. We also discuss the importance of addressing these barriers.