Making Space project celebrated at National Policing Innovation Forum for its impact on neurodiversity in the criminal justice system
Published 16 July 2025
Making Space is proud to share that our Neurodiversity in the Criminal Justice System in Merseyside project was recognised at the 2025 N8 PRP Policing Innovation Forum, held in York on 26 June.
This year’s forum focused on “Neurodiversity in the Criminal Justice System,” bringing together researchers, practitioners, and frontline professionals to discuss innovative approaches and practices to improve outcomes for neurodivergent individuals in contact with the justice system.
As part of the event, our team presented the project and along with a detailed poster, showcasing the project’s aims, outcomes and collaborative approach. We’re delighted to share that the team first place in the conference competition, a proud moment for everyone involved.
Led by Daryhl Lewis, Wellbeing Service Manager at Making Space, the Merseyside-based initiative is a pioneering response to the often-overlooked challenges neurodivergent people face in navigating the criminal justice system. Talking about the project, Daryhl said:
This project is amazing and very much needed. The team have worked on it from the start with initial six-month funding, and thanks to its success, it has now been extended for a further 12 months.
We would also like to highlight the hard work and passion that goes into what we do, in partnership with Sinclair Strong Consultants and Dr Yianna Armosti, a Senior Forensic Psychologist. Dr Armosti and her team have developed over 200 specialist resources, including signposting documents, to support neurodivergence in the criminal justice system.
These resources are designed to assist a wide range of people - from victims, witnesses, and defendants, to families, carers, and professionals - and support them across various settings including custody suites, prisons, probation services, and beyond. The Making Space team plays a crucial role in the development and implementation of these resources by:
- Conducting research and gathering feedback from people with lived experience
- Supporting services to embed the resources effectively
- Developing bespoke training offers tailored to the specific needs of criminal justice services
- Building strong partnerships through continuous stakeholder engagement
The project’s work has already gained positive attention from commissioners and stakeholders. It has now been selected for evaluation by the Public Health Institute at Liverpool John Moore’s University, further validating its value and potential for wider application.
The project aims to drive meaningful and sustainable change within the criminal justice system by increasing understanding of neurodivergence and ensuring fairer, more accessible support for all. By providing practical tools and tailored resources, the initiative helps neurodivergent individuals better navigate the complexities of the system, while also equipping professionals, families, and carers with the knowledge they need to offer effective support. The benefits are wide-reaching: improved awareness among criminal justice staff, enhanced support for those with neurodivergent needs, greater fairness across services, and, ultimately, a long-term reduction in reoffending rates.
The Making Space project team continues to engage with communities across Merseyside, setting up focus groups and listening to real-life experiences to shape the next phase of the programme. Their commitment reflects the core values of Making Space, tailor-making support, dreaming big, and putting kind hearts at the centre of everything we do.