With Restorative Justice Week approaching, Mariam and Nic sit down with Julie, Head of Service for Restorative Justice at Calm Mediation, to explore what Restorative Justice really means.
In this episode, Julie shares real stories that show how structured conversations between victims and those who have caused harm can create understanding, accountability, and even healing. It’s a conversation that brings the process to life and highlights the human impact of Restorative Justice.
In this episode, Mariam speaks with Ryan, a specialist practitioner on Changing Futures for Westminster Council, and co-founder of a family-run organisation, EYC, that has already supported over 1,000 young people aged 12–25 experiencing multiple disadvantage.
Ryan’s story is one of resilience, purpose, and family. The business he runs with his siblings is named after their mum – a constant source of support and inspiration – reflecting their mission to offer that same care and consistency to the young people they serve.
He shares his powerful personal journey, from overcoming challenges in childhood to transforming those experiences into a passion for creating change. Together, they explore:
✔️ The challenges of working with young people who are treated as adults in the eyes of the law
✔️ The power of consistent, community-led support
✔️ How co-designing services with those who use them leads to lasting impact
In this episode of Experts by Experience, Nic speaks with Daniel Cunningham, Restorative Justice Lead at Victim First.
Daniel shares his journey into restorative justice and offers a powerful look at how this approach works in practice. From what the process involves to the benefits – and challenges – for both victims and those who’ve caused harm, he breaks down what it really means to pursue healing after crime.
Drawing on real cases, Daniel explores how safe, structured conversations between victims and perpetrators can lead to understanding, accountability, and even closure.
Nic speaks with Dunia, founder of A Life of Choices. After the devastating experience of her son receiving a life sentence following youth violence, Dunia channelled her pain into action; creating spaces to support people and families affected by the criminal justice system.
In this episode, she reflects on:
✔️ The reality of watching a young person get pulled into exploitation and violence
✔️ Why families of perpetrators must be part of the conversation, not excluded from it
✔️ The unseen impact on parents and siblings when a loved one goes into custody
Dunia’s courage and determination shine through, challenging narratives, creating support, and driving vital conversations about how we change the narrative on exploited children, break the cycle of violence and reduce reoffending.
This week, Nic speaks with Noel Moran about masculinity; what it means, how it connects with the criminal justice system, and why creating safe, trusted spaces matters for men’s wellbeing and growth.
Through his journey as a yoga teacher and training facilitator, Noel shares how challenging stereotypes, building trust, and creating spaces for honesty can transform lives inside and outside custody.
At Catch22, we know that reducing reoffending starts with listening. Real change only happens when services are shaped by real voices – those who have lived through the system and know what works.
This is coproduction in action: lived experience shaping the way we think about justice, rehabilitation, and masculinity.
Today’s episode of the Experts by Experience podcast is tackling a topic that can feel daunting: disclosure.
What is disclosure? When do you need to do it? Why can it be so stressful? And how can we make the process as straightforward and fair as possible?
In this episode, Nic speaks with Rik and Darren, both of whom have lived experience of the criminal justice system and know first-hand what it’s like to navigate disclosure when trying to rebuild your life.
Rik, who now works for Offploy, also shares insights from their newly launched Disclosure Toolkit, designed to support individuals and employers in making this process clear and accessible.
Together, they discuss:✔️ The challenges and misconceptions around disclosure✔️ How it impacts confidence and employment opportunities✔️ Practical advice for individuals and inclusive hiring tips for organisations
This honest and frank conversation breaks down myths, provides real guidance, and highlights the immense value of lived experience in the workforce.
In this episode, Nic speaks with Heather, Team Leader at Offploy, about her powerful journey of transformation.
Heather opens up about life after a conviction – from feeling held back by shame and fear, to completely reframing her mindset and recognising the value of her lived experience. Today, she uses that experience to support others in similar situations and show what’s possible when you embrace your story.
She shares the pivotal moments that shaped her journey: the advice that changed everything, opportunities that pushed her out of her comfort zone, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Her reflections aren’t just for those navigating the criminal justice system, they’re for anyone carrying guilt, shame, or anxiety that holds them back.
In this episode of Experts by Experience, Nic speaks with Noel Moran, Director of Noela Yoga Wellness and Training.
Noel shares his lived experience of custody and reflects on how the prison environment can affect our ability to communicate, maintain relationships, and connect with others. He explores the emotional challenges of custody – from strained relationships with family to the need for healthy peer support – and offers practical insights into how we can begin to rebuild communication and trust.
Drawing on both personal experience and his work in trauma-informed practice, Noel also speaks about the importance of recognising trauma, understanding our triggers, and supporting one another through empathy, connection, and shared experience.
In this episode of Experts by Experience, Nic speaks with Rik Willis, Training and Advocacy Manager at Offploy – an organisation dedicated to improving employment outcomes for people with convictions.
Rik shares his journey from a long career in the Air Force to navigating a life-changing conviction and time in custody. He reflects on the resilience he developed throughout his life and career, and how it supported him during one of his most difficult chapters.
But for Rik, the most powerful tool for coping wasn’t just resilience – it was purpose. Whether mentoring through the Shannon Trust or Shelter, supporting others via the prison advice desk, or setting up a food bank for new arrivals, Rik found strength in helping those around him.
Now, through his work at Offploy, he continues that mission – creating pathways to meaningful employment and second chances.
In this episode of Experts by Experience, Nic speaks with Noel Moran, Director of Noela Yoga Wellness and Training, a national organisation delivering trauma-informed wellness and training programmes.
Noel shares his extraordinary journey from serving a 15 year prison sentence to becoming a qualified yoga teacher and founder of his own company. Along the way, he explores what it means to be resilient – both mentally and physically – in a custodial setting, and how the concept of post-traumatic growth has shaped his outlook on life.
Drawing from lived experience and professional insight, Noel discusses the importance of self-compassion, second chances, and trauma-informed approaches, not just in how we treat others, but in how we treat ourselves. His story is a powerful reminder of how growth and healing can emerge from the most challenging of circumstances.
In this episode of Experts by Experience, Nic speaks with Chloe Ives, Restorative Justice Lead at HMP Thameside.
Chloe shares her journey into restorative justice and explores how this approach is being embedded within a custodial setting. She discusses the practical and emotional impact of restorative justice for both victims and those who’ve caused harm, and how structured, meaningful conversations can lead to healing and accountability.
Chloe also talks about her work training those in prison to become restorative justice facilitators, helping to spread awareness and build a culture of peer-led dialogue. Her goal: to create a truly restorative prison environment where empathy, understanding, and personal growth are at the core.
In this episode of Experts by Experience, Nic sits down with Jacob Hill, founder of Offploy – a social enterprise supporting both employers and people with criminal convictions.
Jacob shares his powerful journey through the criminal justice system, the inspiring individuals he met along the way, and how his entrepreneurial spirit led him to create a business that opens doors to employment for those often left behind.
Together, Nic and Jacob explore the social and economic value of second chances – for individuals, for businesses, and for society as a whole. It’s a conversation about resilience, purpose, and the power of backing potential over past mistakes.
What’s it really like to go through the criminal justice system? Experts By Experience starts by asking, and listening.Created by Catch22 as a part of #Catch22Minutes, this podcast series puts lived experience at the heart of the conversation.
In each episode, we hear from people who have been through the criminal justice system, as well as professionals working to change it from the inside.
From masculinity and restorative justice to personal growth and resilience, these are honest, powerful conversations that challenge perceptions and break down stigma.
Real voices. Real conversations. Real stories. Unlocking lived experience to drive change.
Nic speaks with OB about his experiences which led him to prison and what positive changes he wants to see in the system.
In the Experts by Experience podcast, Catch22 gives a platform to the voices that matter the most—those with lived experience. Hosted by Nic, a Team Leader within Catch22’s Commissioned Rehabilitative Services (CRS), each episode explores different social challenges and reform ideas through conversations with service users, frontline workers, and industry leaders.
This season emphasises the importance of lived experience in shaping better public services;highlighting real stories of resilience, transformation, and giving back. Whether it’s entrepreneurship, challenging stereotypes, or finding creative outlets, each episode provides valuable insights into the ways public services can evolve to meet the needs of the most vulnerable.
Learn more about our justice services here: https://bit.ly/4fffCKW
Trigger warning: Please be aware that today's episode references suicide and suicidal ideation.
In today's episode, Nic speaks with Simon about finding hope in prison and the importance of kindness.
In the Experts by Experience podcast, Catch22 gives a platform to the voices that matter the most—those with lived experience. Hosted by Nic, a Team Leader within Catch22’s Commissioned Rehabilitative Services (CRS), each episode explores different social challenges and reform ideas through conversations with service users, frontline workers, and industry leaders. This season emphasises the importance of lived experience in shaping better public services;highlighting real stories of resilience, transformation, and giving back. Whether it’s entrepreneurship, challenging stereotypes, or finding creative outlets, each episode provides valuable insights into the ways public services can evolve to meet the needs of the most vulnerable.
Learn more about our justice services here: https://bit.ly/4fffCKW
In today's episode, Nic speaks with Carl (C.Roots) about the importance of creativity.
This season of #Catch22Minutes, Experts by Experience, is hosted by Nic, a Team Leader within Catch22’s Commissioned Rehabilitative Services (CRS).
Each episode Nic will be speaking with service users from across our justice services to explore a variety of topics, as well as the value of lived experience.
Learn more about our justice services here: https://bit.ly/4fffCKW
In today's episode, Nic speaks with Gavin about the value in giving back to younger versions of ourselves.
This season of #Catch22Minutes, Experts by Experience, is hosted by Nic, a Team Leader within Catch22’s Commissioned Rehabilitative Services (CRS).
Each episode Nic will be speaking with service users from across our justice services to explore a variety of topics, as well as the value of lived experience.
Learn more about our justice services here: https://bit.ly/4fffCKW
In today's episode, Nic speaks with three guests on their unique experiences with stereotyping in the criminal justice system.
This season of #Catch22Minutes, Experts by Experience, is hosted by Nic, a Team Leader within Catch22’s Commissioned Rehabilitative Services (CRS).
Each episode Nic will be speaking with service users from across our justice services to explore a variety of topics, as well as the value of lived experience.
Learn more about our justice services here: https://bit.ly/4fffCKW
In today’s episode, Nic and her guest speak about the importance of taking ownership of the unique experiences that we each go through.
This season of #Catch22Minutes, Experts by Experience, is hosted by Nic, a Team Leader within Catch22’s Commissioned Rehabilitative Services (CRS).
Each episode Nic will be speaking with service users from across our justice services to explore a variety of topics, as well as the value of lived experience.
Learn more about our justice services here: https://bit.ly/4fffCKW
In today’s episode, Nic speaks with Naeem on his experience with entrepreneurship, staying motivated, and how he started his own business.
This season of #Catch22Minutes, Experts by Experience, is hosted by Nic, a Team Leader within Catch22’s Commissioned Rehabilitative Services (CRS).
Each episode Nic will be speaking with service users from across our justice services to explore a variety of topics, as well as the value of lived experience.
Learn more about our justice services here: https://bit.ly/4fffCKW