Penny Parker (video); Stand Out! Restorative Justice: A New Approach to Rehabilitation

Keywords

restorative justice, Stand Out, SPEAR program, prison rehabilitation, criminal justice, reoffending, life skills, community support, volunteering

Summary

Penny Parker shares her transformative journey from studying geography to becoming a passionate advocate for restorative justice. Her experiences in the prison system led her to establish Stand Out, a charity focused on supporting individuals transitioning from prison to society. The conversation explores the importance of restorative justice programs, the challenges faced by ex-prisoners, and the innovative approaches taken by Stand Out to bridge the gap between incarceration and reintegration into the community.

https://www.standout.org.uk/

Takeaways

• Penny Parker's journey reflects a deep commitment to restorative justice.
• Restorative justice programs can significantly impact individuals in prison.
• The Sycamore Tree project was pivotal in shaping Penny's understanding of rehabilitation.
• Leaving prison is often a daunting and complex process for individuals.
• There is a critical need for honest conversations about the needs of ex-prisoners.
• Stand Out aims to provide holistic support for individuals post-release.
• The SPEAR program inspired the development of Stand Out's curriculum.
• Building relationships is essential for successful reintegration into society.
• Volunteers play a crucial role in supporting individuals in prison.
• Maintaining a positive mindset is vital in the challenging environment of the justice system.

 

Sound Bites

• "People's stories were so important."
• "We wanted to do something that bridged that gap."
• "I work hard to try and keep fit."