Previous Article
News
PBNI changes lives with innovating app
Improve probation with technology, that is wat Gail McGreevy and Ivor Whitten from PBNI wanted to achieve. That is why they came up with the idea of producing an app. With success, because their app ‘Changing Lives’ won a Digital DNA award for ‘App of the Year’.
The aim of the app is to help people on their journey of desistance from crime. The app contains a journal, in which people can write down their thoughts and feelings and track progress or see patterns is their behavior. There also is a section on addictions and mental health with resources to assist people to overcome addictions and improve their mental health. There is a contact section where people can easily contact counselling services, probation staff, medical staff and others. Within the app there also is a section on information about pre-sentence reports and what can be expected when someone is subject to probation supervision.
Production process
To produce an app, only having an idea is not enough. According to McGreevy there was a lot of research involved in advance. “We researched what was already available and thought there was a gap in the market for an app specifically for people on probation. “They set up a working group and did a survey with potential users of the app. “We got lots of feedback from staff and service users and that helped us develop the app.”
In the process of designing the app McGreevy and Whitten were assisted by staff within probation. Staff from communications, psychology, learning and development and operations. “We then tendered for a technical company to translate our ideas into an app. We were lucky to work with a local based company, called ‘Sugar Rush’, who understood our business and helped make the app a reality.”
Award
Winning the award is a great acknowledgement for their hard work. “We are very lucky in probation to have a leader in Cheryl Lamont who encourages creativity and innovation. The award was recognition of that innovation. It has also given us the confidence and inspiration to look at other digital solutions within Probation in Northern Ireland.”
Download
Are you interested in downloading the app? Changing Lives is already available in the App Store (Apple) and in Google Play (Android). Go to this website for more information on the app and where to download it.
Related News
Keep up to date with the latest developments, stories, and updates on probation from across Europe and beyond. Find relevant news and insights shaping the field today.
Probation in Europe, Technology
Have Your Say: EU Call for Evidence on the Digitalisation of Justice (2025–2030)
18/08/2025
The European Commission has opened a Call for Evidence on the Digitalisation of Justice: 2025–2030 European Judicial Training Strategy.
Reading corner
Criminal Justice
Parole Futures
18/08/2025
At a time when many parole systems are experiencing considerable strain, the aims of this collection are twofold: first, to encourage systematic and critical reflection on the rationalities, institutions and practices of parole. Second, to think big, and pose ambitious ‘what if’ questions about the possible futures of parole and prison release. Offering novel insights from Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America, this collection builds the case for, and then showcases, a ‘way of doing’ parole research that is global in outlook, interdisciplinary in approach and unapologetically normative in character.
New
Probation in Europe
New Vodcast Episode: Prof. Bernd Maelicke on The Prison-Dilemma
12/08/2025
The 13th episode of Division_Y features an in-depth conversation with Prof. Bernd Maelicke, one of Germany’s most respected voices in prison and probation reform.
New
Probation outside Europe
CEP Ambassador Steve Pitts Receives Prestigious Japanese Honour
05/08/2025
We are pleased to share that CEP Ambassador Steve Pitts has been awarded the prestigious Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette by the Government of Japan. The honour was officially presented on 25th July 2025 at a formal ceremony held at the Japanese Ambassador‘s residence in London, hosted by the Japanese Ambassador.
New
CEP Events
Mark Your Calendars: Exciting Probation Events Ahead
30/07/2025
As the season continues, we’re looking ahead to a dynamic line-up of events across Europe. From specialised workshops to international training and conferences, there’s something valuable for everyone working in probation and beyond.
New
Probation in Europe
New Vodcast Episode: Tobias Merckle on Free Forms of Juvenile Detention
12/07/2025
The 12th episode of Division_Y features an engaging discussion with Tobias Merckle, a social worker and social entrepreneur from Baden-Württemberg, Germany.
Subscribe to our bi-monthly email newsletter!
- Keep up to date with important probation developments and insights.