Two years ago the Prison and Probation Service launched the project Puzzles for Peace — an initiative aimed at violent offenders. The idea is simple: swap TV for jigsaw puzzles.
“Doing jigsaw puzzles is a form of mindfulness,” explains project leader Anja Klöver. “By replacing TV with puzzles, we create an environment where the inmates wind down and find an inner calm.”
Not all inmates are convinced, however. Andreas, who is serving a long sentence for robbery, is disappointed.
“I hate doing jigsaw puzzles,” he says. “Before, I could watch a film to calm myself down — now they come at me with a damn jigsaw. Often the picture is cats or butterflies. If you’re not a murderer when you come in here, you’ll become one.”
Anja Klöver takes the criticism in her stride.
“It may not suit everyone. But for many, this project has been the start of a positive change in behaviour.”
The project continues as planned.
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