GROWTH ALLIANCE

the aims of the

What is the Growth Alliance?

The Growth Alliance is a pioneering network uniting like-minded individuals, organisations, and sectors to drive social justice through collective action. It focuses on creating transformative opportunities for individuals who are often underestimated in society. The Alliance operates across diverse areas, including the criminal justice sector, community work, corporate spaces, and the arts, to foster inclusion, reduce social harm, and promote growth.  The Alliance is co-created and designed to provide a space for innovation, where ideas can be generated, realised and promoted, creating a sense of belonging, hope and community.  

Our Mission 

Our mission is to unite individuals, organisations and sectors in a shared commitment to social justice and transformative growth. By fostering collaboration, providing resources, and empowering voices often unheard, we strive to address systemic challenges, reduce social harm, and create sustainable opportunities for personal and collective development. Together, we aim to inspire change, cultivate belonging, and build a resilient and equitable society.

Aims of the Growth Alliance

  • To revolutionise social justice internationally by addressing systemic challenges with innovative and collaborative solutions.
  • To empower people through resources, mentorship, and opportunities to grow personally and professionally.
  • To unite diverse communities and organisations in fostering a society based on trust, equality, and sustainable change.
  • To provide members with personal, professional, and organisational development through mutual support and shared expertise.

Supporters, Champions, and Influencers

  1. Supporters: Vital allies who contribute through donations, engagement, and sharing the mission. Their contributions strengthen initiatives and fuel awareness to support meaningful change.
  2. Champions: Dedicated individuals actively driving the Alliance’s vision. Champions promote engagement, amplify success stories, and inspire others to join the movement. They lead, shape and create solutions together.  
  3. Influencers/Partners: Key players advocating for justice reform and mobilising networks for action. They bring expertise, visibility and resources to amplify the Alliance’s impact. An advisory board will help convene key influencers and partners together.  

What We Hope to Achieve

  • A Dynamic Network of Change: A thriving community of contributors and beneficiaries working together to reshape systems and reduce social harm.
  • Transformative Opportunities: Enabling growth and empowerment for individuals, particularly those marginalised, through access to resources, mentorship and meaningful contributions.
  • Sustainable Social Change: Developing long-term solutions that address systemic issues while fostering a culture of inclusion and mutual responsibility.
  • A Platform for Collaboration: Providing spaces—both physical and digital—for dialogue, innovation, and the sharing of knowledge to drive collective impact.

Through its vision and activities, the Growth Alliance strives to build a resilient, equitable and growth-focused society that benefits everyone involved.

If you would like to join the Growth Alliance as a member or as a friend please let us know: https://forms.gle/LLsSe5tacsgMCcdUA

Supporters

Supporters are the backbone of the movement, providing critical resources and spreading awareness.

We offer: 

  1. Recognition and Gratitude:
    • Growth awards of contribution or digital badges for their support.
    • Public acknowledgment on your website, newsletters, and social media.
  2. Exclusive Updates:
    • Early access to our newsletter showcasing how their support is driving change.
    • Invitations to quarterly “Growth Insights” webinars where they can hear directly from beneficiaries or leaders.
  3. Discounted Services and Resources:
    • Access to curated resources, toolkits, or e-learning modules focused on personal and professional growth.
  4. Engagement Opportunities:
    • Opportunities to attend networking events or open-space discussions to connect with like-minded supporters, champions and influencers.
    • Invitations to Growth Alliance events where they can see their contributions in action.
    • Take part in awareness campaigns, encourage others to be part of the Alliance and advocate for the Alliance, encouraging others to fund raise and support the Alliance.  

Champions

Champions are the movement’s advocates, actively driving engagement and mobilising their communities.

We offer:

  1. Leadership Development:
    • Free or discounted training sessions on advocacy, storytelling, and leadership in social justice hosted by GTB and other champions. 
    • Access to exclusive “Champion Toolkits” with messaging templates, social media guides, and event-hosting resources.
  2. Platform for Amplification:
    • Opportunities to host or speak at Growth Alliance events, podcasts, or webinars.
    • Feature their stories and efforts in newsletters, blogs, or social media campaigns.
  3. Community Recognition:
    • Special “Champion Spotlights” in campaigns or events, celebrating their contributions and impact.
    • A personal thank-you from leadership, recognising their role for the Growth Awards. 
  4. Direct Support for Campaigning:
    • Resources for hosting local events, workshops, or talks, including logistical and promotional support.
  5. Networking and Collaboration:
    • Invitations to exclusive strategy meetings with other champions and leaders in the sector, organised by GTB and champions or influencers/partners.

 

Influencers/Partners

Influencers and partners are the high-profile drivers of visibility and systemic change.

Our offer: 

  1. Visibility and Credibility:
    • Branding opportunities in campaigns, events, and publications as official Growth Alliance partners.
    • Co-branded initiatives or campaigns to align their public profile with impactful social change.
    • Sponsorship of the Growth Awards 
  2. Strategic Collaboration:
    • Invitations to exclusive roundtables or summits with other influential stakeholders to shape the Alliance’s future direction.
    • Co-hosting or partnering on high-profile events, podcasts, or public appearances.
  3. Content Creation and Storytelling:
    • Opportunities to share their expertise through guest articles, interviews, or videos on Growth Alliance platforms.
    • Collaborative storytelling projects highlighting their role in transformative justice.
  4. Exclusive Data and Insights:
    • Access to detailed reports, white papers, and exclusive data on social justice trends and campaign outcomes.
  5. Legacy Building:
    • Named recognition in long-term Growth Alliance initiatives or publications.
  6. Connection to Grassroots Impact:
    • Invitations to join field visits, shadow projects, or meet beneficiaries to witness their influence in action.
    • Tailored reports or updates highlighting the measurable impact of their contributions.

UNLOCKING POTENTIAL: GETHIN JONES ​

Gethin Jones is an inspirational speaker, trainer and coach. Gethin trains up professionals within prisons, probation and social care and also delivers session to those within their care. Gethin’s primary purpose is to break down ‘the them and us’ narrative, as it is only once this is bridged that change can happen. Jayne Bedford is a Personal Assistant supporting Gethin Jones in his work throughout Prisons, Probation and Social Care.  Jayne has a passion for helping those that are stuck within the system and supporting those living below the poverty line.  Jayne is also a photographer and keen to document those projects that might otherwise be difficult to articulate, especially helping the vulnerable.

Penal Reform Solutions

PRS is an organisation that promotes sustainable solutions and supports organisations to transform their culture, through coaching, training and organisational consultancy. Dr Sarah Lewis is the Director of Penal Reform Solutions and feels passionately about cultural change and working together to create a Growth Movement based on humanity and trust. 

Bearface Theatre: Jenny Walmsley and Kate Hadley

BearFace Theatre Community Interest Company that invites genuine voice, personal exploration and the co creation of contemporary reactive work in a variety of spaces. We design and deliver tailor made participatory arts programmes using a range of creative methods to lift the voices of those who feel unheard. Sharing message through inclusive high-quality performance, storytelling and bespoke applied theatre projects we strive to affect positive social change for people who are often living on the margins of society.

Institute of Criminal Justice Studies: Julie Eden and Laura Haggar

Julie Eden and Laura Haggar are Senior Academics at the Institute of Criminal Justice Studies, University of Portsmouth. They work within the academic community to promote safety, humanity, connection and growth, training Probation Officers and specialising in trauma informed practice. Both Julie and Laura have worked as practitioners and researchers within this field, working with women. They feel passionately about this work as they provide platforms to empower women and creating a space.

INDEPENDENT RESEARCHER: ALEX RUSSELL

Alex is an experienced researcher and practitioner, working with adults and children in closed and open settings across the UK, Nigeria and Australia. Alex’s main area of interest is investigating the relationship between Applied Theatre methods and transformational learning spaces within the secure estate. She is dedicated to the pursuit of social justice and the development of marginalised and disadvantaged communities. Alex is a Trustee for the National Association of Youth Justice (NAYJ), an independent lobbying organisation working to inform policy and improve the rights of children affected by law.

Cookhouse: Keith MacAllister

Keith created Cookhouse, a social enterprise that teaches those who have experienced social exclusion, how to cook healthy sustainable meals on a budget. Cooking is a key skill and can create an enormous amount of self-confidence. It can also help people live independently, feel more in control of their lives. This helps make people feel included in society, and stay included in the long run. Keith believes in making a difference by nurturing resilience and respect in others

Growth statements of support

We asked a range of supporters to state in one sentence their why they are endorsing the Alliance.

We/I support the idea of the Growth Alliance because…..

I see it as an ultimate responsibility of mine to pay it forward. It's such a worthy cause that I and our company support whole heartedly, I've witnessed lives begin ruined as a result to crime, and would like to do what I can to prevent lives being damaged.

The Out There Group Film Production Company looking to recruit people with lived experience

I have seen the tremendously positive impact of the way they bridge research to practice. I support the idea of the Growth Alliance because it provides opportunity to positively change practices and build relationships across sectors.

International Corrections Prison Association

I support the idea of the Growth Alliance because the criminal justice system urgently needs to change public perceptions about people who have served the time for their crime and need a change to change

Lady Val Founder of the Corbett Network a coalition of 100 charities, social enterprises and CICs

As a small arts organisation working in the CJS we support the Growth Alliance because connection and collaboration is at the core of our ethos. We believe we are stronger together and with a whole system relational approach we know we can make real meaningful and sustainable positive change.

Bearface Theatre CIC Founding Member of the Alliance

I support the growth alliance because I believe in the power of people. By pooling our passion, knowledge and resources we are promoting social good and reducing social harm. Joining the growth alliance is a commitment to challenging inequality.

Founding Member of the Growth Alliance

We support the Growth Alliance because we believe it’s fundamental that frontline workers have the expert skills needed to deliver values led, safe frontline services.

Taye Training & Consultancy

We believe in the power of training to change lives. By valuing both the service user and frontline professionals our methodology increases emotional well-being alongside delivering essential skills.

Training 4 Influence

We believe that by uniting and working towards a shared purpose; we can make a difference, to create a more equitable society where everyone has the opportunity to grow and reach their potential

Inspectorate of Probation

I feel it is important to give people a sense of hope for a positive future, which this could provide

Effective Practice Lead in Probation

I believe we can and should do better for people in the justice system. The values of the growth alliance are rooted in the evidence base which tells us that we need to move away from punitive justice and promote strengths and positive connections. This calls for compassion and hope and I fully support the growth alliance as the vehicle for promoting change.

Academic at University of Portsmouth

Together, we will act to bring about social change and build a stronger, more compassionate society. Brian

Director of Social Profit Corrections Arizona-USA

The work the Growth Alliance does saves people, it helps individuals feel like a person again, someone worthy, valued. The benefits of expanding the Growth Alliance cannot be underestimated.

Kira Founding Member and employee of Red Snapper

The essence of my work is linked to the human to human relationship. People not systems change people. The growth alliance meets my ethos’s and values on how we both support staff and people in prison. For this we need to grow communities in prison and the community who value people for who they are now. We are all more than the worst thing we ever done-

Gethin Director of Unlocking Potential

It is an opportunity to bring like-minded people together who share the same vision in wanting to make the world a better place. I stand by this all the way because I have faced many traumas in my life and seen many people in dark places. I would like to create a movement that helps pull them out of that and back into the light. It is an opportunity to create better communities within our field and bring organisations together who can network and collaborate and grow together. I want to give people a voice, empower them, create safe spaces, help them unlock that better version of themselves.

PRS Business Manager/Former Prisoner

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