The groundbreaking neurodivergent art initiative being used in HMP Manchester prison

When artist Dez, better known as the artist Loveartpix, stepped into HMP Manchester for the first time, he wasn’t there to lecture or impose rules—he was there to listen.

He knows what it feels like to go through life misunderstood. Diagnosed with autism and ADHD later in life, he has spent his life grappling with an identity that society often fails to accommodate.

Now, he was bringing something revolutionary to the prison system: his Neuro-Expression Art Focus (NEAF) course, a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to help neurodivergent prisoners understand themselves through art.

The Neuro-Expression Art Focus (NEAF) course

Dez’s journey to founding NEAF is deeply personal. Diagnosed late in life with autism and ADHD, he understands the struggles of navigating a world that often overlooks neurodivergent individuals. This shared experience has enabled him to connect with participants on a profound level, fostering a sense of trust that is crucial in any therapeutic setting.

“I knew there were many neurodivergent prisoners who wouldn’t necessarily understand their condition” Dez explained. “I saw this as a real opportunity to make a difference. That’s how the whole initiative came about—I created it from scratch.”

With statistics indicating a high prevalence of neurodivergence among prisoners in the UK, the need for tailored support programs like NEAF is more urgent than ever. Traditional prison rehabilitation methods often fail to address the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals, leaving them without the tools to understand themselves and regulate their emotions effectively.

Creating a safe space for self-expression

From the outset, it was clear that artistic ability varied widely among participants. Recognising this, Dez ensured that the course was not about technical skill, but rather about exploration and self-expression.

“One participant wrote poetry instead of creating visual art, and that was completely fine,” he says. “The goal was to find a form of expression that worked for them.”

For many, the term ‘neurodivergent’ was new, and the course became as much about education as it was about creativity. Discussions about neurodivergence, emotions, and personal experiences formed the foundation of the sessions, helping participants articulate feelings they had previously struggled to express.

“What stood out to me was how open the prisoners became,” Dez recalled. “Many of them don’t usually feel comfortable discussing their conditions, especially in that kind of environment. But as they spoke about how the course helped them, it was incredibly moving.”

The program culminated in a powerful event attended by prison staff and guests, where participants shared their experiences and received certificates of completion. The event was meant to include a presentation by the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester, Dr. Eamonn O’Neal OBE DL, but due to unfortunate circumstances he wasn’t able to make certificate ceremony.

Despite this minor hiccup, the event was a resounding success. Governor Rob Knight delivered a speech highlighting the impact of the initiative, while Lorraine Worsley-Carter MBE DL, ex-High Sheriff of Greater Manchester and a key supporter of the project, offered heartfelt words of encouragement. But the most significant moments came from the prisoners themselves.

“All four of the participants who attended the final session chose to speak,” Dez said. “That was incredible because some of them aren’t usually comfortable speaking openly, especially in that setting. Hearing them talk about how the course had helped them was emotional for me—it reinforced that what I had created was making a real impact.”

The power of art in rehabilitation

Research has shown that creative expression is a powerful therapeutic tool, especially for neurodivergent individuals. For many, art provides a non-judgmental space to process emotions and experiences.

“I have personally found that creative expression is a powerful way to explore feelings in a safe, unjudgmental manner,” Dez says. “My aim was to provide that same opportunity for participants, helping them gain a deeper understanding of their emotions and improve self-awareness.”

Understanding one’s neurodivergence is crucial for rehabilitation. When individuals recognise how their condition affects them, they can develop coping strategies tailored to their needs. This self-awareness is essential for positive reintegration into society. To help regulate his emotions, the artist Loveartpix uses creativity as a way of processing his thoughts and feelings daily.

A collaborative artistic journey

The final artworks created through the NEAF course are raw, poignant reflections of each participant’s journey, centred around the theme: How does your neurotype affect you? Each piece documented their struggles, triumphs, and newfound understanding of themselves. The works will be displayed within the prison, but Dez has ambitious plans for a public exhibition to showcase the results of this groundbreaking initiative.

“The artwork is a collaborative effort,” Dez emphasised. “Even though I infused a bit of my own creativity into their contributions, the main goal was to ensure that they explored and articulated their emotions through art. And it worked.”

Looking to the future

The success of the pilot program has sparked interest from other institutions, with another prison approaching Dez before the first course had even concluded. This overwhelming response makes it clear that NEAF has the potential to expand beyond prisons and into schools, support services, and programs for late-diagnosed individuals.

“This course can work in so many different settings,” Dez explained. “Neurodivergent people often process things visually, so using art as a tool for self-expression can be really powerful. My goal is to raise awareness and see where this initiative can go from here.”

Key figures within HMP Manchester have already expressed their support for the program, with Governor Rob Knight playing a vital role in bringing NEAF to life. Additionally, Jen, the neurodivergent manager at the prison, was instrumental in organising the sessions and keeping participants engaged.

Dez also acknowledges the unwavering support from Picsart, whose endorsement of the course certificates and broader backing of his neurodivergent awareness campaign has been invaluable.

The NEAF course has set a precedent for how creative expression can be integrated into rehabilitation programs. By providing a structured yet flexible space for self-exploration, it has given neurodivergent prisoners an outlet to understand themselves better, communicate their emotions, and develop essential coping strategies.

As Dez looks ahead, his vision is clear: to advocate for the expansion of NEAF and ensure that the transformative benefits of art as a tool for therapy and focus reach as many people as possible.

“This initiative is about more than just art,” he reflects. “It’s about understanding yourself, finding your voice, and realising that your neurodivergence is not a limitation—it’s a part of who you are.”

With its innovative approach and undeniable impact, NEAF proves that creativity has the power to change lives—even within the walls of a prison.

You can check out more of loveartpix’s work by clicking here