In this episode of "All Things Conflict," Maria Arpa welcomes Fiona Sample, the CEO of the Oswin Project, which supports individuals with criminal convictions in their reintegration into society. The conversation delves into the innovative work being done to reduce reoffending rates, particularly in the Northeast of England, where the reoffending rate stands at a staggering 67%. Fiona shares inspiring success stories of individuals who have transformed their lives through the project's mentoring and training initiatives, including a café and bakery established within a prison. The discussion also highlights the challenges of securing funding and navigating bureaucratic hurdles in the criminal justice system, emphasizing the need for a shift in societal attitudes towards rehabilitation. With a focus on the importance of human kindness and the potential for change, this episode offers a thought-provoking exploration of justice reform and the complexities of the prison system.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Importance of Rehabilitation: The conversation emphasizes that rehabilitation is crucial for reducing re-offending rates, with the Oswin Project achieving a remarkable 4% re-offending rate compared to the Northeast's average of 67%.
Challenges in Funding and Innovation: Establishing projects like the Oswin Project faces significant hurdles, including difficulties in securing funding and navigating bureaucratic processes, which often stifle innovation in the criminal justice sector.
Human Kindness vs. Risk Management: The discussion highlights the balance between human kindness and risk management, suggesting that fostering supportive relationships can mitigate risks while providing second chances to individuals with criminal convictions.
Need for Systemic Change: There is a call for a clearer definition of the purpose of prisons, advocating for a shift towards rehabilitation rather than mere punishment, and for the government to take a more proactive role in supporting innovative rehabilitation programs.
Stigma Around Offenders: The conversation addresses the stigma associated with sex offenders, arguing for a reclassification of these individuals to provide them with better opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration into society, thereby reducing recidivism.
Maria's Training
https://www.peacefulsolutions.org.uk/training/
SOCIAL LINKS
www.centreforpeacefulsolutions.org
www.peacefulsolutions.org.uk
www.workplacehuddle.com
The Oswin Project
https://oswinproject.org.uk/
HOST BIO
Maria founded the Centre for Peaceful Solutions in response to the fatal shooting of a 7 year old in her neighbourhood. She developed a model of conflict resolution for violent crime using her brainchild, the Dialogue Road Map (DRM).
Over 30 years she has mediated everything from threat to life gang disputes to high stakes business deals gone wrong, Maria empowers people to resolve conflict without reliance on experts. So she trains violent prisoners to be facilitators, leaders to be effective communicators, teenagers to be peer mediators and neighbours to be tenant listeners within their respective communities.
This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
