Breaking Barriers and Building Futures

Melissa Frame’s Journey at Start360 

Melissa Frame’s journey with Start360 began with a passion for youth work that has only grown stronger over two decades. From volunteering in youth clubs to working across communities in Dunmurry and Lisburn, her early career was all about hands-on engagement. Melissa’s professional portfolio also boasts an impressive contribution to Justice Services in Northern Ireland, working initially as a Caseworker for the AD:EPT Service, and was then asked to step into the Assistant Manager role for AD:EPT 2 – a throughcare service that supports those transitioning between custody and the community. A move to Australia expanded her perspective, allowing her to work with young people in care and explore different social models. But in 2018, she came home to Start360, determined to bring fresh energy and leadership to the organisation.

Across her lengthy experience in Start360, Melissa has seen firsthand how intervention in custody can change lives, and she is committed to making Start360 a leader in rehabilitation and recovery.

A Leadership Role That Felt Like a Dream Come True

Being offered a place on the Strategic Leadership Team was a moment Melissa will never forget. “I was over the moon,” she says. Years of hard work in justice services, including prison settings, had prepared her for this next step, but the opportunity to influence real change made it even more exciting.

For Melissa, leadership is about bringing people along on the journey. Whether it’s guiding her staff, working with funders, or navigating the complexities of justice services, she believes in transparency, collaboration, and always looking for new opportunities to grow and innovate and create that change.

A Vision That Goes Beyond Northern Ireland

Melissa doesn’t just see Start360 as a key player in Northern Ireland, she believes it has the potential to expand across the UK and beyond. “Why not Europe?” she asks. Initiatives like Trauma Talks and SMART Recovery have already positioned Start360 as a pioneer, and Melissa wants to build on that momentum.

“We are the number one provider of drug and alcohol services across the Northern Ireland Prison Estate,” she says. “When people think of recovery and justice services, they should think of Start360 first.”

Staying Ahead in a Rapidly Changing World

Melissa knows that adaptability is key to staying relevant in the charity sector. The challenges of economic uncertainty, shifting policies, and changing societal needs mean that Start360 has to be bold, innovative, and ready to pivot when necessary.

She credits the organisation’s resilience to its people-first approach. “We attract staff who truly believe in what we do,” she says. “And we invest in them because they invest in us.” The Strategic Leadership Team brings a wealth of diverse skills, allowing for creative problem-solving, tough conversations, and big-picture thinking.

Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do at Start360. While we have always valued our volunteers, Melissa’s dedication has elevated this by strategically advocating for their opportunities. She ensures that lived experience is central to our recruitment process, empowering volunteers who have navigated the system to provide invaluable insights and serve as real-life role models for our service users

Staff and volunteers aren’t just part of the organisation: they help shape its future. Their feedback drives strategy development, service evaluations, and decision-making. “If we’re not listening to the people on the ground, we’re not doing our job right,” Melissa says.

Funding Cuts and the Revolving Door of the Justice System

The greatest challenge facing the voluntary sector is funding, and Melissa feels this pressure every day. With cost of living increases, national insurance rises, and reduced government support, many organisations are struggling to keep their doors open.

Justice services face an even deeper crisis. Many individuals leaving custody face homelessness, unemployment, and addiction relapse, making reoffending almost inevitable.

“Until we tackle the root causes: housing, mental health, community support – we’re just putting a plaster on the problem,” Melissa explains.

The Motivation That Keeps Her Going Every Day

Despite the challenges, Melissa finds inspiration in the impact she sees daily. Former service users who now volunteer or work for Start360 are proof that the organisation’s programs make a real difference.

She also draws motivation from her team. “Being surrounded by people who share the same drive for change – it’s powerful,” she says. “It gives you goosebumps.”

A Legacy Built on Boldness and Innovation

When asked how she hopes to be remembered as a leader, Melissa’s answer is simple:

“I want to be a role model.”

Grateful for the guidance she received, she’s now dedicated to empowering her team. With a leadership style built on unshakable foundations, she champions improvement and transformative change.

For those considering a career in the charity sector, she has one key message: “Be ready to fight. If you believe in what you’re doing, never stop advocating for it.”

The Work is Never Done, But It’s Always Worth It

Melissa doesn’t see herself slowing down anytime soon. With justice services facing growing challenges, her fight for rehabilitation, recovery, and reform is more important than ever.

“There’s always more work to do,” she says.

“But as long as we keep making an impact – one life at a time – it’s worth every challenge.”