Made By Mortals has been working with researchers and participants on the Empowered Together programme funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), to co-produce research-informed story about autism and social care in prison.
The story will be brought to life in a new short film called ‘Double Punishment’. The film will use creative storytelling to translate research and lived experience into an accessible, emotionally resonant format, turning evidence into empathy, and empathy into awareness.
Highlighting “Double Punishment”
‘Double Punishment’ will focus on neurodivergence and centre on a young man in prison who is undiagnosed as autistic. Developed through workshops with people who have lived experience of both autism and imprisonment, the story illustrates the “double punishment” faced by neurodivergent prisoners – where the structure, noise, unpredictability, and social hierarchy of prison life amplify existing challenges related to communication, sensory processing, and emotional regulation.
Scenes developed in co‑production will show daily realities such as sensory overload from shouting, keys, and metal clanking; manipulation due to social naivety; and distress triggered by routine disruptions. The prison gym will serve as a central metaphor; a place of both comfort and stress, where each new burden feels like another heavy weight being added until our protagonist is overwhelmed. This portrayal is not designed to offer solutions but to catalyse reflection and discussion among policymakers, commissioners, practitioners, and the public about how social care and the prison service might respond more effectively.
Building on Proven Co‑Production Practice
‘Double Punishment’ builds on previous creative research translation work, including the Made By Mortals film ‘Eggshells’, produced in partnership with people who have lived experience of domestic abuse in later life. ‘Eggshells’ was co‑created through a similar process of collaborative workshops and was recognised internationally for its authenticity and impact, reaching over a million viewers and being named a semi‑finalist at the Lonely Wolf International Film Festival.
Watch ‘Eggshells’ here.
The success of ‘Eggshells’ demonstrated how arts‑based co‑production can bridge the gap between research and practice – enabling participants to actively shape the narrative, influence public perception, and expand understanding of social care issues beyond traditional academic channels.
Listen to the women who coproduced ‘Eggshells’ discuss the impact of the project.
Aims and Impact
‘Double Punishment’ aims to:
• Illuminate the unmet social care needs of neurodivergent people in prison.
• Translate research findings into an accessible and emotionally engaging format.
• Foster dialogue among researchers, policymakers, and practitioners about inclusion and care.
• Amplify the voices of people with lived experience as co‑creators, not just research participants.
• Through this approach, the project demonstrates how co‑produced creative outputs can enrich research impact; bridging understanding between academic inquiry, professional practice, and public awareness.
Creating Change Through Film
At Made By Mortals, we bring lived experience to life, co‑creating characters and stories on themes of health, care, and social justice. We co-produce audio stories, films, and video character case studies, packed with lived-experience voices, insights, and immersive music and sound design. Our short film projects bring together researchers, communities, artists, and voices with powerful stories to tell. Over a series of creative workshops, participants shape the story from the inside out, blending their experiences with fresh creative energy. From there, the ideas become a script, the script becomes a film, and that film becomes a platform for understanding, connection, and hope.
Watch our showreel to get a taste of our work.
Work With Us
If you want to collaborate on a short film, audio story, or video character case study that turns lived experience into meaningful change please get in touch. You can contact Paul on paul@madebymortals.org or give him a call on 07779123175.
Looking for ways to bring lived experience into your work?
Sign up for our Members Area to access audio stories, training materials, and workshop guides—all themed around key health & social care topics. Start exploring today!
For more information about how Made By Mortals can support your project including a quote, please email admin@madebymortals.org or call 0161 804 2078
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