At the CJA, we know that lived experience needs to be at the heart of systemic change. That’s why we launched our ELEVATE CJS programme, a leadership initiative that supports individuals with lived experience of criminal justice to become influential change-makers in the sector. Recently, Programme Manager Tasha Cowperthwaite and four of our ELEVATE Leaders – Jazz, Aaron, Marie and Tawana – headed to Birmingham to attend the Cranstoun Social Justice Conference 2024.
This year marked the second Social Justice Conference from Cranstoun, an inspiring three-day event dedicated to innovation and collaboration. Described as “a place for change-makers who are committed to social justice and want to be part of the solution”, the conference featured an array of panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions designed to bring people together, share best practices, and generate new ideas for impactful action.
Reflections from our Leaders
For our ELEVATE Leaders, the conference was a chance to connect with fellow advocates and amplify their voices on key issues. Aaron reflected:
“The Cranstoun Social Justice Conference was an incredible experience. It was truly inspiring to meet so many like-minded individuals and witness various groups coming together, each contributing their own resources toward a shared social goal. We had the opportunity to connect with passionate leaders, all fighting for social justice in their own unique ways, and I’m confident these connections will positively impact communities going forward.”
Jazz also found the experience empowering:
“The Cranstoun Conference proved to be a wondrous experience for the ELEVATE attendees, including myself. Over the course of three days, we delved into crucial topics at the forefront of social and criminal justice. Discussions ranged from rehabilitation strategies to systemic reforms, highlighting the pressing need for change in our communities.”
Jazz shared that the connections made with fellow advocates – including Niamh and Shayla from Release, Juan from the International Drug Policy Consortium, and Caleb from Youth Endowment Fund – were particularly inspiring.
“These individuals are significant agents of change within the field, inspiring us all with their dedication and innovative approaches. Being part of this conference was not just informative but also empowering, reaffirming my commitment to driving meaningful impact and fostering a more just society.”
A call for greater inclusion
Marie also shared her thoughts on the experience. “This was my first time at the Cranstoun Conference, the speakers provided much information on the areas in which I provide advocacy support. It was good to see development being made to support vulnerable people with often multiple needs.” However, Marie noted a lack of lived experience representation and racial diversity on the panels, emphasising that including diverse voices and lived experience is crucial for creating truly inclusive spaces.
“If we are going to talk about race and lived experience, the best way to do that is to have those very people at the table because nobody knows their experience more than them. Away from that, the Cranstoun Conference was a great experience. I learnt so much and made some good contacts that I am now following up on.”
As we continue to support and amplify the voices of lived experience through ELEVATE CJS, we look forward to seeing how our Leaders will translate these connections and learnings into actions that drive positive change across the sector.
Keep up to date with ELEVATE CJS by following the programme on LinkedIn and X.
