"Five Star " Welbeing Programme

     The "Five Star" Wellbeing Programme 

is the innovative vision of

Sue Cox OBE, Acupuncturist and Founder of SMART-UK, developed in partnership with the staff and men at HMP Holme House.

Drawing upon Neuroscience, Chinese medicine theory, and Lived experience, the programme offers a unique and transformative approach to wellbeing. It provides

participants with a deeper understanding of the human brain, behaviour, and emotional resilience, while equipping them with practical tools to support both themselves and those around them.

At its heart lies a simple but powerful belief: people are not defined by their difficulties. Every individual possesses strengths, abilities, and untapped potentialthat can be rediscovered and developed.

The programme is named "Five Star" to reflect the understanding that we are all made of stardust, that anything that is "Five star" is the best, and to honour the Chinese Five-element theory, which underpins much of Chinese thought.

Challenging Traditional Thinking

For too long, addiction has often been viewed through a lens of deficit and

dysfunction. The Five Star Wellbeing Programme offers a different perspective.

Rather than seeing addiction as evidence of a broken individual, we explore the

possibility that many of the traits associated with addictive behaviour are the

remnants of powerful human characteristics—determination, drive, persistence, risk-

taking, and an extraordinary capacity for achievement.

These qualities may once have been essential for survival. In today's fast-paced

world, they can become misdirected, but they remain strengths that can be

understood, harnessed, and redirected towards positive outcomes.

This strengths-based philosophy underpins everything we do.

How the Programme Began

For many years, Sue Cox taught auricular acupuncture to prison staff as part of

wellbeing and recovery initiatives.

When asked whether prisoners themselves could be trained to deliver acupuncture

treatments to their peers, practical considerations meant this was not a viable option.

However, the question sparked a new idea.

Why not teach prisoners the science behind the treatment? Why not share knowledge

about the brain, behaviour, emotional regulation, and wellbeing?

What began as a small educational project quickly evolved into something far greater.

Participants embraced the learning with enthusiasm, curiosity, and commitment. The

programme grew organically into a peer-led wellbeing model that empowers

individuals to support themselves while positively influencing the wellbeing of

others.

The "Five Star "Approach

The programme consists of two interconnected elements.

Education and Understanding

Participants are introduced to key concepts in neuroscience, emotional wellbeing,

human behaviour, and Chinese medicine theory. The focus is on helping individuals

understand how the brain works, how habits and behaviours develop, and how

practical techniques can improve wellbeing.

Knowledge becomes a tool for self-awareness, personal growth, and decision-

making.

"Five Star "Wellbeing Coaches

Participants can progress to become Five Star Wellbeing Coaches.

These peer-support roles provide opportunities to develop practical wellbeing skills,

including acupressure and other evidence-informed techniques, enabling participants

to support themselves and their peers.

The coaching model promotes responsibility, leadership, empathy, and positive social

connection—qualities that contribute to healthier prison communities and improved

individual wellbeing.

Empowerment Through Peer SupportOne of the programme's greatest strengths is its emphasis on empowerment.

Prisoners possess valuable lived experience, insight, and an understanding of the

challenges faced by those around them. They often communicate in ways that are

relatable, authentic, and trusted by their peers.

By recognising and developing these strengths, the programme creates opportunities

for individuals to become active contributors to wellbeing rather than passive

recipients of support.

Impact

The Five Star Wellbeing Programme continues to grow through reputation and word

of mouth.

Today, multiple prisons operate active coaching networks, with dozens of trained

wellbeing coaches supporting their peers and contributing positively to prison life.

Feedback from participants and staff consistently highlights increased confidence,

improved well-being, stronger social connections, and a renewed sense of purpose.

The programme does not claim to be a miracle cure. There is no single solution to the

complex challenges surrounding addiction, trauma, and recovery.

What it does offer is something equally important: knowledge, hope, practical skills,

and the opportunity for individuals to recognise their own value and potential.

Our Vision

The Five Star Wellbeing Programme is about more than wellbeing.

It is about changing the narrative.

It is about recognising that people are capable of growth, contribution, andtransformation.

Most importantly, it is about helping individuals discover that the qualities they once

believed were their greatest weaknesses, may in fact be their greatest strengths.