JUSTICE with prison philanthropist Edwina Grosvenor

Finding common ground in justice reform

In this episode, Edwina speaks to Jacob Dunne about his journey from prison to becoming a leading voice in criminal justice reform. They talk about his phenomenal memoir Right From Wrong, which was turned into the Olivier award winning play Punch (www.punchtheplay.com [http://www.punchtheplay.com/]) by James Graham (@misterjamesgraham).   Jacob discusses the challenges of being labelled as an ex-offender and the importance of not judging people based on their past. He describes how he wanted Punch to be the most socially impactful play of all time and it would be a “dream come true” if he could persuade the Department for Education to make it part of the curriculum. Jacob explains that the profits from the play are going towards an adapted schools version that will tour hundreds of schools in 2027.    Jacob also reflects on joining Common Ground Justice Project as a co-founder last year, to help create the space for a more constructive public conversation on justice—one rooted in common sense, common decency, and common ground - rather than ideology. Together Edwina and Jacob explore the importance of listening to different perspectives to achieve a more balanced debate, one that values both the voices of victims and those with experience of the criminal justice system. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Community approaches to housing and the local narrative

In this episode, we hear from Kate Green, Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester responsible for safer and stronger communities. In this discussion, Edwina and Kate explore how Greater Manchester is reshaping its response to domestic abuse and housing. Kate outlines an innovative housing scheme that protects survivors’ priority on social housing lists when they move across Greater Manchester, and new orders that enables survivors to stay in the family home while perpetrators are housed elsewhere.   Edwina and Kate discuss gender‑based violence, youth offending, the distinct challenges faced by women in the criminal justice system, and the system‑wide reforms required to address them. Kate discusses the inclusive 10‑year gender-based violence strategy, early intervention with children and young people, Housing First for women leaving prison, and a whole system diversion approach that tackles the root causes of women’s involvement in the justice system through housing, substance use support, employment support and peer mentoring.   Kate also reflects on the profound impact of maternal imprisonment on children, the success of family drug and alcohol courts, and how the mayoral model in Greater Manchester enables police, housing, probation and other services to work together to create safer, more supportive communities, offering a blueprint that could be replicated across the country. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Overcoming stigma

In this episode, we explore the stigma associated with being a woman in prison with Jules Rowan, the co-host of the Life After Prison podcast. In this discussion Edwina and Jules discuss the barriers women face when they leave prison and the systematic change needed on fundamental issues such as housing for women in contact with the justice system. Jules’ describes her journey from serving a prison sentence to becoming a personal trainer and talks about how the justice system is a scary and lonely place to be at the age of 19 with minimal legal help or understanding of the system. They discuss how important it is to empower women to be able to tell their own story - in order to shift the stigma and re-define their journey - which in so many cases includes childhood trauma, abuse, substance use, lack of support and poverty.   @julesrowan @afterprisonpod @zakarriyahkhalil7 @prisonradiouk   Linked in Jules Rowan Prison Radio Association ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Reflections on maternal separation through imprisonment

In this episode, we explore the impact of your mum being sent to prison in discussion with Naz Shah, MP for Bradford West, who has just published her memoir ‘Honoured’. The book describes her violent childhood, forced marriage at 15, her mother's imprisonment for murder and the campaign for her release - which she successfully led whilst looking after her brother and sister. In this discussion, Naz reflects on her memories of early childhood and her mother's efforts to provide for the family, including feeding them every evening and providing treats like biscuits and tea – despite suffering ongoing physical and emotional abuse.   In this discussion Edwina and Naz address the on-going systemic failures in supporting children of imprisoned mothers and debate how the justice system must be re-designed to support women to maintain relationships with their children through community alternatives to custody when it’s safe to do so. Naz talks about the impact of her mother's imprisonment on her own life and the importance of understanding the systemic issues faced by women in prison – many of whom are themselves victims of abuse. This episode asks what more can be done to support women, mothers and families who are impacted by the justice system.   LinkedIn accounts to tag: @NazShahMP   Instagram accounts to tag are: @nazshahbfd @wnbooks ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Shifting public attitudes to justice, with Dr Tom McNeil

In this episode, we explore what the public think and feel about crime and justice, with Dr Tom McNeil, CEO of The JABBS Foundation for Women and Girls and former Assistant Police and Crime Commissioner for the West Midlands. In this discussion Edwina and Tom look at how attitudes are shaped not just by facts, but by media coverage, political messaging, personal experience, and powerful emotions like fear, anger, and empathy.   We hear about the links between trauma, poverty, abuse and women’s involvement in the justice system, and why understanding these pathways matters for shaping fairer and more effective responses to crime. The conversation also touches on bias in how women are judged, the impact of sending primary carers to prison, and the limits of imprisonment as a solution.   More broadly, the episode asks what it would take to have higher-quality public debate about crime – including better public education, more honest political leadership, and a media and social media environment that supports, rather than distorts, informed discussion.   Dr Tom McNeil has written a book, Public Opinion on Crime: Message Framing and Deliberative Democracy for a Progressive Consensus. You can access it for free here: https://jabbswomenandgirls.org.uk/resources/open-access-book-public-opinion-on-crime/ [https://jabbswomenandgirls.org.uk/resources/open-access-book-public-opinion-on-crime/]   Learn more about The JABBS Foundation for Women and Girls: https://jabbswomenandgirls.org.uk/ [https://jabbswomenandgirls.org.uk/] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.