My interest in the Criminal Justice System (CJS) began when I started facilitating courses in prisons. Soon, I worried about the lack of aftercare I was able to offer and wanted to work more consistently with a community impacted by the CJS. Since joining the charity APPEAL as Advocacy Lead, I have supported Bound by Injustice (BBI), a community of those impacted by Miscarriages of Justice (MoJ). I offer consistent support to BBI and deliver workshops and retreats.
A key issue for exonerees is the lack of support available. Our community is impacted by poverty, poor mental health and social exclusion. We need better re-entry care for exonerees, alongside swift and proper compensation to help rebuild their lives.
My Fellowship focuses on improving the support offered to exonerees through travelling to the USA and engaging with communities impacted by MoJ. In the USA, advocates are embedded in holistic non-profits alongside social workers and re-entry coaches. They share expertise, disseminating information between caseworkers and external agencies. The interdisciplinary nature of this work creates a network of support - something which is sorely lacking in the UK.
