On Thursday 19th January 2023, Nacro staff and service users came together to cook and share a Caribbean and English breakfast at one of our housing services in Battersea. The service provides support to people who have been in contact with the justice system. The breakfast was attended by people who live in two Nacro supported housing services, along with a number of staff, including Simon Hughes (Head of Housing and Support) and Helen Berresford (Director of External Engagement).
Sharing experiences and learning skills
Residents budgeted for and planned the event, buying supplies and cooking both traditional Caribbean and English fare. Staff were on hand to help out with turning sausages and doing the washing up.
It was a great opportunity for us all to come together and share time and lots of delicious food. We talked about the service Nacro delivers, and possible improvements we can make. We also talked about wider issues that people face as they come out prison, and the barriers that can feel insurmountable for people to be able to move on with their lives.
Simon Hughes, Nacro’s head of housing and support said: “Thank you so much to the residents and staff [in Battersea] for a delicious breakfast combined with quality conversations. Hearing directly from our service users is the best way to understand what works and what needs to be improved so that we can create the best chance for a second chance.”
Service User Involvement
Nacro regularly holds meetings with our tenants and service users, so they can share their experiences and discuss ways we can improve directly. These meetings and discussions are an important part of the work we do. They help us ensure we shape and develop our services as well as our policy and campaigning work alongside the people we support about the issues that are important to them.