I might sound like a broken record....
Our Criminal Justice System is broken; we imprison too many, for too long and programmes do not stop people reoffending. We need a new tack. The Independent Sentencing Review on Reducing Reoffending offers a crucial opportunity to rethink how we address crime and rehabilitation in society. Led by Rt Hon David Gauke, former Justice Minister, the review provides a platform for open discussions on how the criminal justice system can be reimagined to reduce reoffending and build safer communities.
I was honoured to be invited to a small roundtable at Clifford Chance by the advocacy charity JUSTICE, and share our vision for a better system. Our mission is clear: we are committed to developing the most effective sports-based mentoring programme for individuals in custody and post-release. Through this programme, we aim to help people in the criminal justice system find hope, opportunity, and community, empowering them to rebuild their lives and become less likely to reoffend.
A critical step in our ongoing advocacy efforts to influence the criminal justice system. We believe that the current approach to justice is not working. We lock up too many individuals and fail to provide enough support to stop them from reoffending. We know that rehabilitation is key, and that’s where our mentoring programmes come in. By using the profound impact of sports and community-based support, we create environments that foster personal growth, responsibility, and resilience.
Alongside organisations such as Switchback and the Prison Reform Trust, 3Pillars Project advocated for several key changes. We believe in the greater use of D Cat and Open prisons, which focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment. These types of prisons can allow individuals to reintegrate into society more effectively by encouraging personal responsibility, vocational training, and the development of meaningful relationships.
Additionally, we champion restorative approaches and therapeutic communities within custody. Restorative justice creates opportunities for individuals to take accountability for their actions while fostering empathy and understanding. Therapeutic communities, on the other hand, provide the necessary support systems to address the root causes of criminal behavior, such as trauma, addiction, and mental health issues.
We believe that greater community integration between prisons and local communities, with a focus on increased transparency makes the environments work better. When individuals are able to maintain ties with their families, friends, and communities, they are more likely to reintegrate successfully upon release.
We support a bold target to reduce the current prison population. Fewer people in prison means more resources available for rehabilitation and reintegration efforts, ultimately leading to a safer society for all.
At 3Pillars, we are proud to be part of this essential conversation, we remain committed to advocating for change that will create a more just, rehabilitative, and effective criminal justice system.
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