Evaluations and Evidence
for the Impact of our Work


Click here for the full 2023 impact evaluation


The original artwork below depicts the Dartmoor landscape and was created for us by Gill Thompson, commissioned in 2022 as part of our ongoing impact evaluation.

Designed as an interactive, multimedia celebration of the work of the charity, click through elements within the lino print highlight aspects of our delivery, supporting long term trauma and addiction recovery through nature connection, meditation and creative practice.

Click icons to reveal:

  • The boulders at the base of the page contain all key elements of our 2023 external impact evaluation created by Sally Thompson.

  • The landscape above the boulders includes film, sound, image, illustration created through our programmes; a collaborative process involving industry professionals and members of the Rite to Freedom community or ‘tribe’.

Concept and design Caspar Walsh. Editing and layout Boris Hallvig.

In March 2023 we reached out to our community members with some specific questions about the impact on their lives since their involvement with Rite to Freedom. Below are some of the responses.

Click here to read the full list of responses.

 
“Rite to Freedom has helped me connect better with myself firstly, it has shown me on many different occasions that it’s okay to vulnerable. The connection I get through nature now is amazing, my awareness has grown massively through working with Rite to Freedom.”
— Paul, participant 2021, and ongoing volunteer staff member

Have you felt an increase in stability and a feeling of peace in your life?

 

Have you felt less isolated and a greater sense of community and connection in your life?

“At first I didn’t feel a part of Rite to Freedom, it took a while but by being shown love and compassion that soon changed. Through my constant engagement with Rite to Freedom I feel like I belong. I’m held and supported and I never feel alone. I’m a tribe member and proud to be one. It helps me engage more in my work, my day to day life and I feel part of my community.”
— Sarah, participant 2018, and ongoing volunteer staff member
 
“Through the self awakening I did during my time on my residential and when I have connected into other group events I tried to develop my own compassion towards myself and to learn and heal from my own trauma some of which I didn’t realise till I did my experience at Rite to Freedom”
— Gary, participant 2022

Are you experiencing increased self-awareness, self-belief and self compassion?

 

Are you able to navigate conflict, both with others and with yourself more compassionately?

“Rite to Freedom leadership has modelled for me an attitude of honesty and courage in facing conflicts that I really need. I am very good with honesty, but I am very scared of conflicts, so witnessing courage is a great gift.”
— Massimo, 2021 participant and new Bristol programme coordinator
 

Have you discovered meaningful self-expression through the creative process?

Have you deepened connection with nature and natural environments?

To submit anonymous feedback as a participant in our programmes, click here >>

In the years 2008 to 2016 we delivered and worked exclusively with young men in prison and through the UK judicial system. In 2014 we began working in addiction recovery and from 2016 we moved to working exclusively with addiction recovery and mixed gender.

For previous work within the judicial system see this archive.