Why me? celebrate the success of the Observer Programme

Thirty three key decision-makers within the Criminal Justice System in England and Wales have observed a face to face restorative conference as part of Why me?’s Observer Programme.

Sir Alan Beith MP, Chair of the Justice Select Committee, Shadow Justice Minister, Sadiq Khan, Judge Ford from Bristol Crown Court , Richard Monkhouse JP, Chair of the Magistrates Association and London Deputy Mayor, Stephen Greenhalgh are among those who have taken part in the scheme.

Initiated by Why me? with support from the Ministry of Justice and the Restorative Justice Council, the Observer Programme has been running for eighteen months. Participants are able to see close at hand the potential the restorative justice process offers – allowing victims to ask questions, obtain an apology and regain their confidence and peace of mind.

The programme has succeded in generating clear interest from those at the very highest as well as at local levels. One observer said: “Very worthwhile. The experience of the dialogue between offender and victim is not anything which you can imagine if you have never heard it.  No amount of reading would describe the atmosphere or allow you to appreciate the sincerity and empathy which can be created.”

Others who have taken partinclude eleven Police and Crime Commissioners,  Peter Chapman, Chair of the Sentencing Committee, Kerry McCarthy MP and representatives from the Ministry of Justice including Stephen Muers, Director of Rehabilitation and Sentencing and Louisa Carrad, Head of Restorative Justice Policy.

The Observer Programme has been so successful that Why Me? intend to continue with the project.  For more information please contact Sarah Morris on 020 7250 8050 or email sarah.morris@why-me.org.