An end of year restorative pause

As the year came to a close after a period of challenge and change, the Centre for Restorative Justice (CRJ) at RegNet created space for something quietly meaningful: an end of year restorative drop in focused on creativity, connection and calm.

The drop in ran for a week, offering an analogue space for creativity, imagination, self-care and simply being at peace. Open to everyone across the University, people were invited to come and go in their own time, staying for minutes or hours as they needed.

Throughout the day, the space gently filled with crafting, reflection and conversation. People made zines and collages, coloured in, curated found objects, re storied regulation with creative materials or simply sat and chatted. Others came just to pause. Many shared that they felt noticeably calmer, grateful for a place to catch up, connect and quietly recharge. The drop in also welcomed staff and students from other areas, adding to a sense of shared community.

Felicity Tepper, who led the initiative, reflected on the intention behind the initiative:

“After a turbulent year, it felt important to offer a space that didn’t ask anything of people. Restorative practice is about care, connection and being present and sometimes the most restorative thing we can do is create room for people to just be.”

With a steady supply of chocolates and a child friendly environment under guardian care, the space embodied the Centre’s commitment to collective wellbeing and healing together.

As the year winds down, the CRJ recognises the value of these small, shared moments. The restorative drop in offered a gentle reminder that restoration does not have to be loud or complex — sometimes it begins with a calm space, creative materials and the opportunity to slow down.