Lee Weston, Care experienced and prison reform advocate on Care, Prison and Transformation

Opening Discussion: Teaching & Activism Conversation with Lee: Care Experience, Prison, and ActivismLee’s Background:Grew up in care, moving through 28+ placements. Entered the justice system at 17, receiving a 5-year sentenceLee talks about:The Impact of the Fellowship & RetreatReflects on the Justice System & Care ExperienceDescribes the cycle of placement breakdowns leading to further instability.Critiques the justice system for failing to recognize trauma and providing inadequate mental health support.Notes how prison officers often viewed him as “a problem” rather than exploring underlying issues.Reflections & Closing Thoughts:Rich: Shares personal insights from retreat experiences, including the significance of eye contact in developing intimacy and emotional connection.Tim: Celebrates Lee’s resilience and activism, highlighting his drive to influence change at both a grassroots and policy level. Emphasizes the importance of mutual support, professional collaboration, and finding strength in lived experience.Eckhart Tolle Reflection:“When you make friends with the present moment, you feel at home, no matter where you are.”Key Takeaways:Care & Stability Matter: Placement moves impact trust and stability for young people.Prisons Need Trauma-Informed Approaches: Labeling and pathologizing behavior without support fuels further harm.Lived Experience is a Powerful Force for Change: People like Lee bring invaluable insights to reform efforts.Connection Heals: Simple, human interactions—whether in public living rooms or through eye contact—can be transformational.Links: Relational Activism: https://www.relationalactivism.com/Rich's BASW Child Protection sessions: https://basw.co.uk/social-work-child-protection-professional-practice-programmeRich Devine's blog: https://richarddevinesocialwork.com/about/Tim Fisher LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/timfisher101/Rich Devine LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-devine-181763177/