Tobias recently graduated from our post-release programme, Open The Gate, which is delivered at our Battersea Hub. In this piece, Tobias tells us about his journey with Fine Cell Work. Tobias starting stitching with Fine Cell Work in prison, in a cell group and as a lone stitcher, and now as a graduate, he continues to stitch. Read on to find out more...

Prior to joining Open The Gate, I was lucky enough to work with Fine Cell Work in prison...

I was encouraged to join the sewing group by my gym partner. At first I was concerned my sausage fingers wouldn't have been up to it, but I oddly took to it like a duck to water! I began as an embroidery stitcher, learning the basics, which soon moved onto learning how to cross stitch. Before too long, I become a lead stitcher, helping to run one of the groups. I would teach new stitchers in my free time, and I also took it upon myself to sew each new piece that came to the prison, so that there was no hidden surprises - my abilities came on leaps and bounds. I was able to help others to fix and alter clothes, and even help with their personal projects. Upon moving to a different prison, I became a lone stitcher (by far the coolest sounding stitcher!) and continued to stitch for Fine Cell Work. Then upon leaving prison, I started the process to join the Open The Gate scheme.

I have recently graduated from Open The Gate after completing 13 months as an apprentice...

A typical day at Fine Cell Work involved an early start, getting the 7:30am train to London (not that I am complaining as it gave me time for extra crafting projects over coffee!) After a brief trip on the underground and making myself a quick brew, I would start work in the workshop. The tasks were organised by either Jordanne or Sophie, Fine Cell Work employees. The projects were varied - it could anything from making little dog coats out of Chelsea Pensioners' scarlet coats, to hand-embroidered finishes on decorative pieces or mending Christmas decorations. 

The workshop encourages communication amongst apprentices and volunteers and a cooperative work environment, so I would often be asked to assist others or give colour matching second opinions.

I would work until lunchtime, when a trip to the local cafe allowed for refuelling. The afternoon shift allowed me to continue with the tasks assigned. Upon completion, I was able to work on personal projects towards my Open College Network (OCN) qualifications, again taking full advantage of the expertise in the workshop. 

At 4:30pm, it was clocking off time - another successful crafting day in the bag!

Since joining Open the Gate, I have learnt so many different skills...

I was quite adept at hand-stitching prior, but had no experience working a sewing machine. After a little cajoling, I finally sat at a machine. With the excellent teaching in the workshop, I progressed from being a novice to making cushions, inserting zips, and even piping cushions! These skills continued to grow throughout the apprenticeship which have allowed me to get a job with a charity, Mousekins, where I can continue upon my crafting journey. 

Needlework is now part of my zen time. Prior to all of this, I would never have believed the release of stress I would get from embroidery...

I find it relaxing to pick up my frame and start stitching. I have never considered myself artistic, but Fine Cell Work have opened a new avenue for me. I like to see items that interest me and I strive for finer details in my projects. For someone who struggles with self-esteem, the positive comments I receive about my work help me to focus on the achievements I have made. Upon leaving prison, making any sort of connections, no matter how small is beyond difficult, yet crafting seems to be a universal language which has allowed me to make friendships.

At first, my view of Open The Gate seemed to be all about the crafting, however I have managed to grow in a variety of different ways. 

Prior to all of this, I had a very guarded opinion of the world. I kept myself to myself and didn't let anyone see the real Tobias. However, Open The Gate has showed me that there is a second chance for people like me. Over the year, I noticed myself growing in confidence, with improved communication skills working as part of a group. I have also been able to accept my mental health conditions and learn how to acknowledge them, rather than repress them, through one-to-one sessions and the positive environment created in the workshop.

During my time at Fine Cell Work, I had a once in a lifetime chance to not only work with a professional artist, but have my work be a part of her project. Over five sessions, apprentices got to work with one of the V&A artists in residence, Ciara Neufeldt, exploring ceramics and how they could use embroidery ideas in an overlapping Venn diagram of crafting. We made several different types of tiles, using a variety of techniques, both at the Fine Cell Work Hub, and in the workroom at the V&A. These tiles were then used by Ciara in her final piece, Make a Wish, currently on display at the V&A until November 2026. This was another type of crafting I would never have thought I would have done and I thoroughly enjoyed it. We then got to go and view the final piece, find our little tiles, seeing our own work in an amazing museum. This is just another part of my Fine Cell Work journey I never ever imagined would have taken place. 

Repurposing the Chelsea Pensioners' scarlet jackets was a fantastic project to be involved in. Taking the old coats to pieces and watching them be transformed into products to be sold was an honour. Knowing that our work would form part of the The Chelsea Pensioner Garden at the Chelsea Flower Show, and then be sold in their own shop was an unexpected opportunity that only a few people ever will get to do. This was then topped off by a guided tour around the Royal Hospital Chelsea itself and seeing what an impact these pieces have on the people there. 

I have enjoyed learning a new skill in embroidery that I never knew I would be so adept at, and it has created a new path for me in my life...

It has become part of my character and that's so special to me. I am so thankful for the opportunity to stitch for Fine Cell Work. Whilst in prison, there is a lot of down time and to have the kits to work on were life saving. During the pandemic, you simply didn't get the opportunity to interact with people, so stitching became my escapism from all the stresses of the moment. This also led to me receiving thank-you notes and cards from the recipients of my work - this gave me the such positivity in such a negative place. 

All of this wouldn't be possible without the fantastic people throughout the charity...

From the brilliant workers at the Fine Cell Work Hub, whose expertise has made my crafting journey come on leaps and bounds, to the volunteers who give their time to help stitchers throughout their journeys. I would like to give a huge thanks to Chris and Victoria, who were my initial volunteer contacts whilst I was in prison. Their help started me on this journey and I am thankful to them more than they would ever know.

I know that people say that they work as a family rather than as work colleagues, but that statement couldn't be more true at Fine Cell Work - this was demonstrated when we all came together to celebrate at the Apprentice and Graduate Christmas Party at the Fine Cell Work Hub. It might sound like a cliché, but that was my Christmas day and I couldn't be happier with the family I spent it with. 

Fine Cell Work have helped me with the grand scheme of things - the whole experience over the last four and a bit years has changed my life...

Not trying to sounds overdramatic, but when I went to prison I felt directionless. I was beyond lost. But Fine Cell Work has given me that spark for life again. I have new hobbies coming out of my ears! I used to avoid art in general because I believed I was no good at it. But now I am always willing to dip my toe in the pool. I wanted to learn how to knit so I joined a group and just did it - Fine Cell Work gave me confidence that it was possible. At the same time, learning how to stitch has brought me closer to my Mum and strengthen our relationship post prison. She is probably more shocked than anyone when I ask her a question about embroidery or quilting! 

Now that I have graduated, I am lucky enough to have got a job with the charity, Mousekins...

I will be working with Mousekins from home on my very first sewing machine (again this has all been possible with help from Fine Cell Work). I am looking forward to perfecting my ability with the products and being an asset to the charity. 

In addition to this, I hope I am able to make products (maybe to sell) that combine my new found ability and the world of anime/computer games. This is still a very early idea, but from tiny acorns grow massive oaks. 

I just hope that my words about giving things a go, encourages people to try. It's not about it being perfect, it's about the enjoyment you find along the way.

My favourite Fine Cell work pieces are the root vegetables...

When I first got the Onion Needlepoint Cushion to stitch, I couldn't believe how complicated the instructions were. But upon starting the canvas piece, I loved it. The challenge was somewhat addictive. I ensured that I completed all four of them (Onion, Radish, Artichoke and Beetroot) just to make sure they were as enjoyable as one another. Now that may not sound everyone's cup of tea, but they are so intricate and the colours blend so well -  they just work! Here is to more vegetables being included in the canvas catalogue!