Why me? Transforming lives through Restorative Justice

08/09/2026

How can we support people impacted by Early Release?

The Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, has shared an update on the Early Release Scheme under the new Sentencing Act which is due to come into force in October. The key highlights from the update include a list of additional offences which will be excluded from the Early Release Scheme and a package of support that will be made available for victims of crime who may be impacted by the early release of someone who harmed them.

In this latest blog we share how the restorative sector can play a part in supporting people affected by this change, and we share more details from the Government update, including a link to a new factsheet:

The Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, has shared an update on the Early Release Scheme under the new Sentencing Act which is due to come into force in October. The key highlights from the update including additional offences which will be excluded from the Early Release Scheme and a package of support t...

07/09/2026

This week, the Ministry of Justice closed their call for evidence as part of the 'Independent review of the prison system in England and Wales'. Why me? submitted a response to the consultation, calling for wider access to Restorative Justice in prison.

Our response included recognition of the challenges that the prison estate currently faces, from overcrowding to people in prison being unable to access the resources they need to make positive change. We urged the Government to use restorative values within the prison to ensure that everyone, from prison staff to those serving a sentence have the opportunity to have their say. We also called for wider awareness of Restorative Justice across the prison system, with opportunities for people to find out about it and be referred to a local service if they are interested. In this blog you can read more about our calls around Restorative Justice in prison: https://why-me.org/restorative-justice-raised-by-why-me-in-ministry-of-justices-prison-review/

Photo credit: Andy Aitchison Photographer

04/09/2026

Do you want to ensure that everyone impacted by crime can access the resources they need to heal, regardless of the type of crime they experienced? Find out more about our work to ensure that no one gets left behind in the campaign to widen access to Restorative Justice: https://why-me.org/why-me-call-for-rehub-policy-change-in-letter-to-new-prisons-minister/

03/09/2026

Do you want to learn how to deliver Restorative Justice in a way that is grounded in the values of restorative work?

Our 'Foundation Principle and Practice of Restorative Justice' course with Professor Tim Chapman starts online on the 7th of September. Don't miss your chance to learn about themes of safety, well-being, trust and harm. Learn more: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/whyme/2158309

02/09/2026

This week Why me? were delighted to host a visit by Andrea Simon, London Victims' Commissioner. The meeting was a valuable opportunity to share the power of Restorative Justice with someone whose role focuses on ensuring that people harmed by crime can access the rights they are entitled to. We were joined by our Ambassadors Nick and Lucy, who shared their first hand experience of the Restorative Justice process and how it transformed their lives.

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.