Why me? Transforming lives through Restorative Justice

01/09/2026

Last week, Why me?, in collaboration with Belong: Making Justice Happen and The Common Ground Justice Project, wrote to the new Minister for Prisons, Probation & Reducing Reoffending, Catherine McKinnell to highlight the sectors' ongoing concerns about the new ReHub policy which has introduced a presumption of unsuitability for Restorative Justice in certain categories of crime.

Our letter builds on correspondence previously sent to Lord Timpson before his resignation and reiterates our call for the policy wording to be changed. Now backed by more than 65 signatories, we are urging the Government to replace the presumption of unsuitability with a higher threshold of risk assessment in these cases. In addition we have raised new concerns about the fact that several of the offence types covered by the new ‘presumption of unsuitability’ are likely to have a disproportionate impact on victims of crime who belong to groups protected under the Equality Act 2010. In our latest blog, we share more details and how you can sign your support:

This week, Why me?, in collaboration with Belong: Making Justice Happen and The Common Ground Justice Project, wrote to the new Minister for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending Catherine McKinnell to highlight the sectors’ ongoing concerns about the new ReHub policy which has introduced a ...

28/08/2026

People harmed by crime are often left silenced and without a voice. But being given the chance to have their say can be transformative in their recovery. This can be done through a safe and managed process called Restorative Justice.

Sometimes talking to the person that hurt you most is the best way ...

27/08/2026

Our friends at The Mint House - Oxford Centre for Restorative Practice have a range of new events and training courses available. The events examine a range of topics through a restorative lens, from art and design and s*x education to restorative practice in churches.

Learn more and sign up:

Online gathering of the Churches Restorative Practice Network. We will spend time together for learning and peer support, including a reflective practice circle.

26/08/2026

Young people studying topics like law, psychology and criminology will go on to be the next generation of criminal justice professionals working with people affected by crime. If they understand the benefits of Restorative Justice at an early stage they will be empowered to spread the word throughout their education and career. So how can we do this?

Learn more: https://why-me.org/why-me-share-new-teaching-resources-to-engage-students-in-restorative-justice/

25/08/2026

Why me? were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Lady Val Corbett.

Lady Val was an advocate and sector leader in her campaign for prison reform, a fairer justice system, rehabilitation and opportunities for women. She was a keen supporter of charities in the sector and we benefitted greatly from her skilled community-building. Her drive and care for others were reflected in her tireless work to ensure that people in prison got a second chance. We will continue to be inspired by her legacy and extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and network.

24/08/2026

Why me? are pleased to share a new range of teaching resources that enable students to learn about the power of Restorative Justice by listening to the stories of people who have been through it. Based on our pioneering Damage and Repair project, the resources highlight short clips from our audio collection of interviews with people who have been through the Restorative Justice process. With a range of activities, exercises and questions to spark students' interest, the resource packs will guide conversations around the restorative process, oral history and the wider justice system. In this blog, we share the resources and explain how you can use them to support the development of young people you work with: https://why-me.org/why-me-share-new-teaching-resources-to-engage-students-in-restorative-justice/

21/08/2026

If you could ask the new Prime Minister Andy Burnham to do three things to maximise access to Restorative Justice, what would they be?

Why me?'s three key asks are outlined in this blog: https://why-me.org/why-me-shares-3-restorative-justice-priorities-with-new-ministers/

20/08/2026

The Ministry of Justice has published a new guide for victims of crime on the changes to the early release model that the new Sentencing Act will put in place. The guide covers "what is changing, how victims can be informed and what support is available".

Read more: https://ow.ly/s0VX50ZAwpq

19/08/2026

Professor Jon Hobson, an academic at the University of Gloucestershire who has written extensively on Restorative Justice, has spoken out about the current prisons crisis and urged the Government to utilise Restorative Justice.

"The question that should sit at the centre of prison policy is not how many cells we have, but how many people come back through the gates and how many new victims are created because we haven't dealt with the challenges of dealing with those imprisoned effectively."

He argues that restorative processes could give victims of crime a say in what the repair looks like, whilst simultaneously holding perpetrators to account.

A UNIVERSITY of Gloucestershire professor has called on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to place restorative justice at the heart of prison policy, arguing that reducing reoffending must take priority ove...

19/08/2026

Yesterday we had a brilliant day in the office with Professor Tim Chapman planning our training courses for the coming year - watch this space!