Why me? at Glastonbury!
This is a blog by our Communications and Campaigns Manager, Keeva Baxter.
At the end of June, Why me? was excited to attend Glastonbury Festival to spread the word about Restorative Justice on the Left Field stage! Our wonderful ambassador, Janika, attended on behalf of Why me? to join a panel of criminal justice experts.
On Saturday, as the festival got into full swing, Janika shared her experience of the Restorative Justice process with festivalgoers, helping them to see how powerful it can be. Joining Janika was Christopher Head, a postmaster harmed by the Post Office scandal, Kojo Koram, an academic and award-winning author on race and law, and Kate Osborne, Labour MP for Jarrow and Gateshead East.
The panel explored the topic of ‘Reimagining Justice’, with a particular focus on the recent exposure of the Post Office scandal.
Panel facilitator, Minnie Rahman, took questions from the audience and held the space so Janika could share more about her vision for the future. When asked about the NHS, Janika emphasised how overworked and underpaid NHS staff should not bear the responsibility of transforming the wellbeing of people affected by crime. Systemic change, which ensures Restorative Justice is made available to all people affected by crime, is crucial.
Janika also highlighted the need for Restorative Justice to be a ‘household name’. Despite the entitlement to information about Restorative Justice in the Victims’ Code of Practice, most people affected by crime never find out that RJ is an option. In fact, many of the audience fed back that they hadn’t heard about Restorative Justice prior to Janika’s attendance on the panel, but were keen to find out more.
Following the lively panel session, Janika was able to enjoy the rest of Glastonbury Festival alongside the 200,000 other attendees! Thank you to Janika for helping to spread the word about Restorative Justice, and to Glastonbury and the Left Field organisers for giving Why me? such a unique opportunity to reach a new audience.
