Ally Jade | Full circle - changing the narrative for women in prison

What She Did Next

*Content warning: This episode contains some discussion about drug and alcohol addiction, so please consider this before listening, particularly if you might find this triggering. If you need help, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 to access 24-hour crisis support.Ally Jade is an artist and youth worker with the Women's Justice Network, a not-for-profit organisation in Sydney that provides vital support for women and girls affected by the criminal justice system.Ally has a unique insight into what these women are going through because she actually spent time in prison herself, after her battles with addiction and mental health issues came to a head in 2015.It was that experience that led her to become a passionate advocate and mentor for women in the criminal justice system, and to give back to the organisation that helped her when she really needed some support.Over the past three years, Ally has turned her life around in the most incredible way. She's now using her artistic talents, her recent studies and her lived experience to help other women in prison change the narrative around how they see themselves - and how society sees them - so they can have a much brighter future ahead.In this episode, Ally talks about:· Why art has been her go-to throughout her life· The circumstances that led to her being imprisoned in 2015· How she turned her life around with the help of a volunteer mentor through the Women's Justice Network (WJN)· What she studied at TAFE and the programs she now runs in juvenile justice centres for girls as young as 13, as a youth worker with WJN· Her bravest moment, the women who inspire her and her best tip for anyone who might be facing their own strugglesCREDITSHost and producer: Jacqui OoiJoin us on Instagram: @whatshedidnextpodcastVisit whatshedidnext.com.auWith thanks to our guest Ally Jade, artist and youth worker with the Women's Justice Network, a grassroots community organisation in NSW committed to improving the prospects and wellbeing of women and female youth affected by the criminal justice system. WJN provides advocacy and mentoring programs to empower and support the diversity of women in the criminal justice system, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, culturally and linguistically diverse women, women with disability and women of diverse sexualities and gender identities. Visit wjn.org.au.WJN's scheduled fundraising events for 2020 have been unable to go ahead due to COVID-19, and their programs are at risk of closure. Donations can be made here: hub.benojo.com/campaigns/save-our-programs-from-closureAlly's artworks can be purchased from her website, with 20% of sales going to the Women's Justice Network: www.allyjadeart.com/

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