Queen’s University Belfast helps former justice system participants become mentors
Queen’s University Belfast has partnered with the Turnaround Project to develop a peer mentoring programme supporting people transitioning from the justice system.
The initiative enables people with lived experience of the justice system to train as mentors and support others facing similar challenges.
Announced on Wednesday 28 October 2026, the programme brings together university research, practical training and the experiences of people who have been involved in the criminal justice system.
Mentoring programme developed through lived experience
The initiative was created in response to feedback from participants involved with the Turnaround Project.
It aims to provide people transitioning from the justice system with access to mentors who understand some of the challenges they may face.
Participants are encouraged to use their experiences to help others build confidence, develop skills and work towards positive futures.
The programme combines peer support with structured mentoring and coaching techniques.
Queen’s University provides research and training
Queen’s has worked with the Turnaround Project since 2018, drawing on expertise from across the university.
Research from the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work examined approaches to mentoring and coaching within criminal justice and reintegration.
The work helped inform a framework combining relationship-building with structured support and accountability.
Mentor training was developed and delivered by Dr Louise O’Meara from the William J Clinton Leadership Institute at Queen’s.
The training covered active listening, empathy, open questioning, goal-setting and the importance of maintaining appropriate boundaries.
Supporting positive futures after the justice system
The programme seeks to turn personal experience into a resource for helping others.
By involving people with lived experience in its design, the partnership aims to ensure that mentoring reflects the practical challenges participants encounter.
The initiative also demonstrates how university research can be applied through collaboration with community organisations.
Queen’s and the Turnaround Project hope the programme will strengthen support for people rebuilding their lives and moving towards new opportunities.
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External: Queen’s University Belfast