All Things Conflict

In this episode of All Things Conflict, Maria Arpa engages in a profound conversation with Penny Parker, a former corporate lawyer turned advocate for restorative justice and prisoner support. Penny shares her journey from volunteering in prisons to founding Stand Out, an organisation dedicated to helping individuals reintegrate into society after incarceration. The discussion delves into the transformative power of restorative justice, the challenges faced by those leaving prison, and the importance of addressing the underlying issues that lead to criminal behaviour. With insights drawn from her extensive experience in the prison system, Penny emphasises the need for compassionate support and the value of listening to the voices of those affected by crime. This episode is a compelling exploration of justice, rehabilitation, and the human stories behind the statistics. KEY TAKEAWAYS Restorative Justice and Personal Connection: Engaging in restorative justice programs, like Sycamore Tree, allows for deep, meaningful conversations that help individuals in prison confront their issues directly, fostering personal growth and accountability. Importance of Support During Reintegration: Organizations like Stand Out provide crucial support for individuals transitioning from prison to society, focusing on practical help, emotional support, and life skills to aid in their reintegration and reduce recidivism. Volunteer Impact: The presence of volunteers in prisons can create a unique and impactful environment, as they are often seen as independent and trustworthy figures, which can encourage individuals to open up and engage in the rehabilitation process. Understanding the Root Causes of Offending: Many individuals in prison have complex backgrounds filled with trauma and unmet needs. Addressing these underlying issues is essential for effective rehabilitation and reducing future offending. Economic and Societal Benefits of Rehabilitation: Investing in rehabilitation programs not only helps individuals reintegrate successfully but also reduces the financial burden on society caused by recidivism, making it a more sensible use of public funds. SOCIAL LINKS www.centreforpeacefulsolutions.org www.peacefulsolutions.org.uk www.workplacehuddle.com Standout - https://www.standout.org.uk/ HOST BIO Maria founded the Centre for Peaceful Solutions in response to the fatal shooting of a 7 year old in her neighbourhood. She developed a model of conflict resolution for violent crime using her brainchild, the Dialogue Road Map (DRM).   Over 30 years she has mediated everything from threat to life gang disputes to high stakes business deals gone wrong, Maria empowers people to resolve conflict without reliance on experts. So she trains violent prisoners to be facilitators, leaders to be effective communicators, teenagers to be peer mediators and neighbours to be tenant listeners within their respective communities. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode of "All Things Conflict," Maria welcomes Hesham Puri, a criminal defense lawyer and director at MK Law. They delve into the complexities of the criminal justice system, discussing the emotional and psychological toll it takes on clients and their families. Hesham shares insights from his extensive experience, highlighting the challenges faced by defendants, including the lengthy and often traumatic journey through the legal process. The conversation touches on the broken aspects of the system, the importance of legal representation, and the need for restorative justice practices. Hesham emphasises the necessity of support for clients beyond legal advice, advocating for a more compassionate approach to justice that addresses the root causes of crime and fosters community responsibility. KEY TAKEAWAYS Understanding the Criminal Justice System: Navigating the criminal justice system can be traumatic and confusing for clients, who often find themselves overwhelmed by legal jargon and lengthy processes. It's crucial for clients to have a knowledgeable lawyer to guide them through this complex journey. Impact of Delays: The criminal justice system is currently experiencing significant delays, with cases taking years to resolve. This prolonged uncertainty can have severe emotional and psychological effects on defendants and their families, as well as on the legal professionals involved. Evidence vs. Truth: There is a distinction between evidence and truth in legal cases. Evidence can be misinterpreted or insufficient, leading to potential miscarriages of justice. Defendants often struggle to gather their own evidence due to lack of resources and support. Legal Aid Challenges: The legal aid system has faced cuts and restrictions, resulting in a two-tier justice system where those who can afford private representation receive better outcomes than those reliant on legal aid. This disparity raises concerns about fairness and access to justice. Restorative Justice: Introducing restorative justice programs could help address the root causes of crime and reduce the number of individuals entering the criminal justice system. By focusing on repairing harm and fostering dialogue between victims and offenders, the system could promote healing and accountability. BEST MOMENTS "My real job is trying to assist and advise those who find themselves in the criminal justice system, either being investigated or charged." - Hesham Puri "The journey is up and down and I say to clients look there'll be good days and bad days." - Hesham Puri "Evidence doesn't equal truth." - Hesham Puri "If you've got money, you will have a fairer system. If you're on legal aid, we do the best we can within the parameters of the funding." - Hesham Puri "I think I would like to somehow introduce some sort of restorative justice program within the system." - Hesham Puri Maria's Training ⁠https://www.peacefulsolutions.org.uk/training/⁠ SOCIAL LINKS ⁠www.centreforpeacefulsolutions.org⁠ ⁠www.peacefulsolutions.org.uk⁠ ⁠www.workplacehuddle.com⁠ HOST BIO Maria founded the Centre for Peaceful Solutions in response to the fatal shooting of a 7 year old in her neighbourhood. She developed a model of conflict resolution for violent crime using her brainchild, the Dialogue Road Map (DRM).   Over 30 years she has mediated everything from threat to life gang disputes to high stakes business deals gone wrong, Maria empowers people to resolve conflict without reliance on experts. So she trains violent prisoners to be facilitators, leaders to be effective communicators, teenagers to be peer mediators and neighbours to be tenant listeners within their respective communities. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/⁠

In this episode of All Things Conflict, Maria Arpa engages in a conversation with Fabian Sharp, the CEO of the South Kilburn Trust in London. With over 30 years of experience in community development, Fabian shares his insights on the complexities of modern community challenges, including rising youth violence, mental health issues, and the erosion of trust in institutions. The discussion highlights the importance of fostering genuine connections within neighbourhoods and the need for communities to mourn and heal from past traumas. Fabian emphasises the potential for grassroots organising and collaboration to empower residents, create meaningful change, and build resilient communities. Together, they explore the necessity of moving beyond a culture of domination to one of cooperation and understanding, ultimately aiming for a future where communities can thrive despite adversity. KEY TAKEAWAYS Community Empowerment: Building resilient communities requires empowering residents to take ownership of their local issues and solutions, rather than relying solely on government or external organizations. Complexity of Modern Conflicts: Neighbor disputes have evolved from simple issues to complex problems involving mental health, economic deprivation, and social disconnection, necessitating a deeper understanding and more comprehensive approaches to conflict resolution. Importance of Relationships: Successful community development hinges on fostering genuine human relationships and connections, which can help mitigate fear and mistrust among residents. Need for Support Structures: Initiatives aimed at community building must be supported with adequate resources and frameworks to prevent them from failing due to lack of guidance or funding. Acknowledgment of Past Failures: For communities to heal and move forward, there must be recognition of past injustices and failures by service providers and institutions, alongside a commitment to creating spaces for mourning and dialogue. BEST MOMENTS "If we work together and we lift each other up... then we can truly change society rather than relying on government and politicians to do it for us." - Maria Arpa "The neighbour disputes continue... but things have become significantly harder in communities to navigate." - Fabian Sharp "The truth is, is that in our communities that are experiencing this level of dysfunction, the amount of things that need to be done is so massive." - Fabian Sharp "We have to find a way of empowering those groups to be able to genuinely impact and influence the environment that they inhabit." - Fabian Sharp "The need for communities to be able to mourn, grieve, express themselves... is really important." - Fabian Sharp Maria's Training https://www.peacefulsolutions.org.uk/training/ SOCIAL LINKS www.centreforpeacefulsolutions.org www.peacefulsolutions.org.uk www.workplacehuddle.com Fabian Sharp https://www.southkilburntrust.org/ HOST BIO Maria founded the Centre for Peaceful Solutions in response to the fatal shooting of a 7 year old in her neighbourhood. She developed a model of conflict resolution for violent crime using her brainchild, the Dialogue Road Map (DRM).   Over 30 years she has mediated everything from threat to life gang disputes to high stakes business deals gone wrong, Maria empowers people to resolve conflict without reliance on experts. So she trains violent prisoners to be facilitators, leaders to be effective communicators, teenagers to be peer mediators and neighbours to be tenant listeners within their respective communities. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode of "All Things Conflict," Maria welcomes Hesham Puri, a criminal defense lawyer and director at MK Law. They delve into the complexities of the criminal justice system, discussing the emotional and psychological toll it takes on clients and their families. Hesham shares insights from his extensive experience, highlighting the challenges faced by defendants, including the lengthy and often traumatic journey through the legal process. The conversation touches on the broken aspects of the system, the importance of legal representation, and the need for restorative justice practices. Hesham emphasises the necessity of support for clients beyond legal advice, advocating for a more compassionate approach to justice that addresses the root causes of crime and fosters community responsibility. KEY TAKEAWAYS Understanding the Criminal Justice System: Navigating the criminal justice system can be traumatic and confusing for clients, who often find themselves overwhelmed by legal jargon and lengthy processes. It's crucial for clients to have a knowledgeable lawyer to guide them through this complex journey. Impact of Delays: The criminal justice system is currently experiencing significant delays, with cases taking years to resolve. This prolonged uncertainty can have severe emotional and psychological effects on defendants and their families, as well as on the legal professionals involved. Evidence vs. Truth: There is a distinction between evidence and truth in legal cases. Evidence can be misinterpreted or insufficient, leading to potential miscarriages of justice. Defendants often struggle to gather their own evidence due to lack of resources and support. Legal Aid Challenges: The legal aid system has faced cuts and restrictions, resulting in a two-tier justice system where those who can afford private representation receive better outcomes than those reliant on legal aid. This disparity raises concerns about fairness and access to justice. Restorative Justice: Introducing restorative justice programs could help address the root causes of crime and reduce the number of individuals entering the criminal justice system. By focusing on repairing harm and fostering dialogue between victims and offenders, the system could promote healing and accountability. BEST MOMENTS "My real job is trying to assist and advise those who find themselves in the criminal justice system, either being investigated or charged." - Hesham Puri "The journey is up and down and I say to clients look there'll be good days and bad days." - Hesham Puri "Evidence doesn't equal truth." - Hesham Puri "If you've got money, you will have a fairer system. If you're on legal aid, we do the best we can within the parameters of the funding." - Hesham Puri "I think I would like to somehow introduce some sort of restorative justice program within the system." - Hesham Puri Maria's Training https://www.peacefulsolutions.org.uk/training/ SOCIAL LINKS www.centreforpeacefulsolutions.org www.peacefulsolutions.org.uk www.workplacehuddle.com HOST BIO Maria founded the Centre for Peaceful Solutions in response to the fatal shooting of a 7 year old in her neighbourhood. She developed a model of conflict resolution for violent crime using her brainchild, the Dialogue Road Map (DRM).   Over 30 years she has mediated everything from threat to life gang disputes to high stakes business deals gone wrong, Maria empowers people to resolve conflict without reliance on experts. So she trains violent prisoners to be facilitators, leaders to be effective communicators, teenagers to be peer mediators and neighbours to be tenant listeners within their respective communities. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode of "All Things Conflict," Maria welcomes back philosopher Paul Baker for a thought-provoking discussion on the theme of justice in the context of systemic failures and scandals. They explore the pervasive nature of cover-ups and the human tendency to avoid accountability due to fear of punishment and shame. Paul introduces his concept of "systemic win," emphasising the importance of fostering better relationships and learning from mistakes rather than perpetuating cycles of denial and harm. The conversation delves into various historical and contemporary examples of injustice, highlighting the need for a shift towards generative justice that not only addresses wrongs but also seeks to improve systems and relationships. As they navigate complex issues surrounding ethics, transparency, and the consequences of actions, Maria and Paul challenge listeners to rethink their understanding of justice and consider how to create a more compassionate and accountable society. KEY TAKEAWAYS Systemic Win Philosophy: The concept of systemic win emphasizes fostering positive interactions where individuals bring out the best in each other, moving towards better outcomes rather than getting caught in cycles of conflict and negativity. Understanding Justice: There is a need to redefine and understand what justice truly means, as many current systems may inadvertently cause harm to innocent individuals associated with those who have committed wrongdoings. Fear of Punishment: The fear of punishment often leads individuals to deny mistakes and engage in cover-ups, which perpetuates a cycle of dishonesty and conflict rather than encouraging accountability and learning from errors. Generative Justice: Instead of merely restoring the status quo, the focus should be on generative justice, which aims to create better outcomes and healing processes for all parties involved, particularly those who have been harmed. Transparency and Communication: Establishing a culture of transparency and open communication is crucial in addressing mistakes and conflicts. This involves not only acknowledging errors but also creating an environment where individuals feel safe to admit their shortcomings without fear of retribution. Maria's Training https://www.peacefulsolutions.org.uk/training/ SOCIAL LINKS www.centreforpeacefulsolutions.org www.peacefulsolutions.org.uk www.workplacehuddle.com HOST BIO Maria founded the Centre for Peaceful Solutions in response to the fatal shooting of a 7 year old in her neighbourhood. She developed a model of conflict resolution for violent crime using her brainchild, the Dialogue Road Map (DRM).   Over 30 years she has mediated everything from threat to life gang disputes to high stakes business deals gone wrong, Maria empowers people to resolve conflict without reliance on experts. So she trains violent prisoners to be facilitators, leaders to be effective communicators, teenagers to be peer mediators and neighbours to be tenant listeners within their respective communities. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/