Restorative Justice Group Sessions
The Sycamore Tree Project is a structured but accessible learning programme delivered through weekly group sessions, supported by workbooks and facilitated discussion. Each session builds on the last, helping participants move from understanding harm, to taking responsibility, to thinking about forgiveness, repair, and what they want to do next in their lives. The programme looks at how harm affects not only the person who was hurt, but also families, communities, and the person who caused it. Participants are encouraged to reflect on their own experiences, the choices they have made, and how those choices have impacted others.
The learning is practical and reflective rather than academic. Sessions include group discussion, creative exercises, personal reflection, and activities that help participants think about how they might make things right, even when direct repair is not possible. This could include writing, drawing, or planning symbolic acts of restitution. The aim is to help people engage honestly with their past while feeling supported to move forward.
This programme is part of Release’s wider restorative justice work in prisons and communities across Ireland.
Group Facilitator
Are you comfortable facilitating small group discussions, a good listener, sensitive and non-judgemental, a team player, and committed to safeguarding and protecting vulnerable children/adults?
Duties
Assist the tutor in delivering the course
Facilitate small group discussions
Have an understanding of the learners journey through the material
Complete post programme reports each week to track the learners progress.
Tutor
Are you someone with strong leadership skills, who is sensitivity, with a non-judgemental attitude, well organised, and committed to safeguarding and protecting vulnerable children/adults?
Duties
Run the six-week restorative justice course in prison for up to 20 prisoners
Prepare and deliver the course material provided
Assess group workbooks with facilitators
Support and lead existing group facilitators
“It made me realise you can change and there are people out there to help you. It made me think about who I have affected and how they feel. I will leave here feeling like I can change.”
— Sycamore Tree learner