STOCKPORT SUPPORTS RESTORATIVE JUSTICE WEEK

The Safer Stockport Partnership (SSP), which includes Stockport Council and the Police, is showing its support for Restorative Justice with a new campaign, being launched during Restorative Justice Week (17^th– 24^th November). 

By facilitating contact between a victim and the offender in a safe environment, Restorative Justice gives victims the chance to explain to offenders the real impact of their crime, to get answers to their questions, and an apology. It holds offenders to account for what they have done, helps them understand the real impact of their crime, take responsibility and make amends.

There are a number of different approaches to Restorative Justice. In Stockport the SSP has launched SoRT-IT (Solve, Resolve and Talk-it-through). SoRT-It is a flexible Restorative Justice approach to resolve community issues at a community level.

SoRT-IT is supported by Redeeming Our Communities (ROC) who lead on recruiting, training and supporting community members who deliver the project. SoRT-IT deals with neighbour disputes and low level crime and disorder.

Councillor Mark Weldon, Deputy Leader of Stockport Council and Executive Member for Corporate, Customer and Community Services, said: “Are you a non-judgemental, fair minded, good listener who would like to make a positive contribution to your community? If the answer is yes, then why not become involved in one of the most exciting, community based Restorative Justice Projects.

“You will gain valuable knowledge and skills in preparing for and delivering Restorative Justice ‘Conferences’ by  working closely with victims, ‘wrong doers’, criminal justice professionals and others.”

Chief Inspector Leon Jacobs, from Greater Manchester Police, said: “Restorative Justice is a really important development in the way community problems and criminal behaviour are resolved, putting the views of victims at the heart of the solution. We are looking forward to working closely with our partners in Stockport to ensure ‘SoRT-IT’ becomes a key part of administering justice.”

The role of the Volunteer Facilitators is to meet with individuals who have been harmed and those who are alleged to have caused the harm. The aim is to encourage both (or all) affected parties to hold a face-to-face meeting in an informal but controlled environment in order to discuss the issues and agree on how best to move forward to resolve them.

Volunteer Facilitators are offered a three day Accredited Restorative Justice Facilitator training course, which equips them with the skills necessary to facilitate the Restorative Justice process. This opportunity could be very advantageous for those considering a career in Criminal Justice or a related sector. Encouragement and support will also be offered to those wishing to enhance their skills by working toward accreditation for a Diploma in Restorative Justice.

If you are interested in becoming involved in SoRT-IT, contact the SoRT-IT team. Email SoRT-IT@stockport.gov.uk or telephone 0161 218 1758 or 0161 218 1739.

For more information please visit www.saferstcokport.org.uk.

You can follow the Safer Stockport Partnership on Twitter @SaferStockport