I don’t think many people instantly connect these topics together.
Restorative Approaches are often seen as a tool for repairing relationships, usually after a crime is committed. That is Restorative Justice. Restorative Approaches involves a much wider set of skills that help and promote positive mental health and wellbeing.
Your mental wellbeing plays a key role in the foundation upon which you navigate challenges, build connections, and find meaning and fulfilment. It encompasses not only the absence of mental illness but also the presence of positive emotions, healthy coping mechanisms, and a sense of purpose and belonging.
Enter restorative approaches. Restorative approaches are a transformative approach that rethinks conflict resolution to encompass a broader spectrum of human interaction and community building. As mentioned earlier, it’s often associated with addressing harm and repairing relationships in the aftermath of conflict but restorative practices encompasses also promotes empathy, accountability, mutual respect and more. It can be seen almost as a philosophic approach to life.
Examples of restorative tools that support wellbeing:
Restorative circles
Circles serve as a cornerstone of restorative practices, offering a structured yet flexible framework for meaningful dialogue and community building. Participants gather in a circle, equal in voice and presence, to share their perspectives, experiences, and emotions in a safe and supportive environment. Often guided by a facilitator, the circle process encourages active listening, empathy, and mutual understanding, facilitating the co-creation of solutions and the forging of deeper connections within the community.
Restorative Justice meetings to support healing and reconciliation
Restorative justice represents a paradigm shift in our approach to addressing harm and conflict within the criminal justice system. Instead of focusing solely on punishment and retribution, restorative justice seeks to heal the wounds caused by crime through dialogue, accountability, and repair. The people causing harm are given the opportunity to take responsibility for their actions, make amends to those they have harmed, and reintegrate into the community as contributing members. People who have been harmed, whether directly or indirectly can be given a voice and the opportunity to participate in the healing process, reclaiming their sense of dignity and empowerment.
Restorative approaches in Schools: Building, maintaining and repairing relationships
In education settings, restorative approaches offer a proactive approach to fostering a positive school climate, building social-emotional skills, and addressing behavioural issues. Circles, restorative conferences, and peer mediation programmes provide students and staff with the tools and strategies to navigate conflicts, build relationships, and create a sense of belonging within the school community. By prioritising relationship building and emotional support, restorative approaches contribute to a school environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and supported in their growth and development.
The connection between restorative approaches, mental health and wellbeing
- Building Emotional Resilience: Mental wellbeing thrives in environments where emotional resilience is nurtured. Restorative approaches provide a safe space for individuals to express their feelings, engage in active listening, and cultivate empathy.
- Building belonging: Human connection lies at the heart of both mental wellbeing and restorative approaches. By nurturing a sense of belonging and interconnectedness, restorative approaches create a supportive community where individuals feel seen, heard, and valued – a powerful antidote to the loneliness and isolation that affects mental health.
- Empowerment: Restorative approaches empower individuals by inviting them to take an active role in resolving conflicts, making amends, and co-creating solutions – fostering a sense of ownership and efficacy that bolsters mental resilience.
If you’d like to speak to W.R.A.P about how we could promote restorative approaches in your place of work and improve wellbeing, get in touch with us via our contact form.