We amplify lived experience stories and expertise to address social inequalities

In May we launched our new spokesperson programme for grassroots leaders with lived experience of social injustice and social inequality. The programme sets out to build their skills, confidence, networks and platforms to enable them to become more media confident and public spokespeople offering their expertise and insight to the big issues facing us today. For the first time and with a lot of thought and planning we were able to hold an in-person residential, bringing our new cohort of 14 together for three days of masterclasses, reflection time, peer learning and fun at Cumberland Lodge. In this guest blog Debs from our network shared her reflections on the residential.

John Crilly is a campaigner with the not-for-profit JENGbA (Joint Enterprise Not Guilty by Association) campaigning on behalf of, and with, those wrongfully convicted and is campaigning to reform legal abuse by Joint Enterprise and is part of our Spokesperson Network. In this guest blog he shares how the BBC Drama Time reflects his own experiences in prison and how he hopes it will change public perceptions around prisons.