LEAP

The inaugural Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP) group was instituted in early 2021 and is made up of women who have been in prison and been engaged with Prison Network.

The LEAP group provides expert independent advice to Prison Network. Its advice is based on its members personal lived experience of the engagement with the Victorian criminal justice system and Prison Network.

Prison Network considers a wide range of evidence to inform operations to achieve the vision of Dignity, Hope and Purpose for women in and beyond prison. An essential part of this evidence is input directly from people with lived experience of being in, or beyond prison.

The LEAP group meet with our CEO monthly. We are incredibly grateful for their time and commitment, and deeply value their advice and perspective and the impacts these have on our practice.

"I have wanted to be a voice for change and help the same women Prison Network is helping. It was clear to me the impact they were having on women, and I wanted to be part of it. I think I can speak for all of us when I say that Amelia has encouraged us to use our voices, be authentic and to not to hold back. Our small group of ex-inmates have been able to accomplish so much in such a short time. I want to thank Prison Network for giving our voices back and allowing us to be part of the conversation!"

— Pattie (LEAP member)