Launched in December 2024, the fREADom Inside BookClubs is an initiative delivering book clubs inside women’s prisons across Greater Western Sydney.
Through literature, this program creates a sense of community, empowerment, and connection among incarcerated women, many of whom face isolation and systemic disadvantage. Participants consistently share that they most enjoy the opportunity to read more, engage socially, make new friends, and learn from diverse perspectives. The program creates a safe and supportive space where women can improve their reading skills, increase confidence, and experience overall mental health benefits.
“We are in awe of these women and how they were supporting each other. Certain people were struggling with the reading and even though they didn’t know each other, the encouragement the other women were giving them was really heartwarming. We couldn’t believe just how well it was accepted and how much they were looking forward to it. We had a full house every single week we went in.”
– Fran Drake, fREADom Inside BookClub Co-Facilitator
Led by facilitators both with lived and mentoring experience and supported by community partnerships, fREADom INSIDE BookClubs provides a vital connection to the outside world.
Since its launch the project has been successfully delivered to women at Dilwynnia, Silverwater and Jacaranda Cottages.
Are you interested in being a part of the Book Clubs?
If you’re interested in being one of the Co-Facilitators of the fREADom Inside Book Clubs, please email frances@wjn.org.au to find out more.
