What if the people who understand the justice system best are the ones who have lived through it?

In this episode of Growth Uncut, Dr Sarah Lewis is joined by Michael McCusker, Engagement and Advocacy Manager at The Turnaround Project in Belfast.

Michael shares his personal journey from involvement in the justice system as a young man to becoming a leading advocate for lived experience leadership in justice reform.

Together they explore the growing movement to place people with lived experience in positions of influence, ensuring policies and programmes are shaped by those who truly understand the challenges of reintegration.

The conversation covers:

• The barriers facing people leaving prison
• The importance of trust, listening and collaboration
• The risk of fragmentation within the lived experience movement
• Why self-care and resilience are essential for leaders working in this space
• The vision for a more co-ordinated and humane justice system

This episode is a powerful reminder that lasting reform happens when systems learn from the people they affect most.

The Turnaround Project is a Belfast-based organisation dedicated to improving outcomes for people who have been involved in the justice system.

The organisation works with:

• Government departments
• Statutory agencies
• Community organisations
• People with lived experience

to create opportunities for individuals leaving prison to reintegrate successfully into society and influence the development of justice policy and practice.

A key ambition of the organisation is to place people with lived experience into positions of leadership and influence, ensuring their insights shape future justice reforms.

Learn more:
🌐 https://theturnaroundproject.org

🌱 About The Turnaround Project

🌐www.growtransformbelong.com

🌱About Justice 2.0

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