Photo - Alan Mak MP with Hampshire CRC Chief Executive Mary D'Arcy
Havant MP Alan Mak spoke in Parliament today praising the ‘pioneering’ work of Havant’s Community Rehabilitation Company (CRC), the first of its kind to open in Havant in 2012. Mr Mak stressed the importance of such centres to drive down reoffending rates and ensure that formerly isolated women become participating members of society.
Having seen the success of the Havant model, the Government decided in 2014 to pass over to the CRC the management and supervision of all low and medium risk offenders seeking to get back to work. This service is provided both for those on court orders and ex-offenders who can receive up to 12 months of aid and assistance from the CRC.
The CRC also works with a range of partners to keep tackling the root cause of an offender's behaviour. Whether it is tailored therapy sessions, discussion groups or conferences, the CRC aims to provide a holistic support network to re-integrate offenders.
In Havant, CRC-managed offenders have been involved in a variety of local projects as part of their ‘Community Payback’ hours. St Faith’s Church, for example, receives regular visits from groups of offenders. So far these groups have been responsible for renovating the church garden and prepared the 300 person capacity church hall for painting.
Havant MP Mak said: “The CRC do fantastic work to rehabilitate offenders into our community, especially through their employment advice and support services. It is terrific to see Havant leading the way with these pioneering responses to reintegrating those who’ve committed crimes.”
Mak added: “The CRC is particularly vital for female offenders looking to get back into work, and I will continue supporting them as they ensure that women from all walks of life are not left isolated due to previous misdemeanours, but educated and rehabilitated to play an active and positive role in society.”
Hampshire & Isle of Wight CRC’s Chief Executive, Mary D’Arcy, commented: “The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Rehabilitation Company is extremely proud of the work we do to support offenders to turn their lives around and move away from a life of crime, and we thank Alan for his support.”
Ms D’Arcy added: “We work in partnership with organisations including the police, local authorities, private enterprise and the voluntary sector. Our holistic approach to working with women who have offended helps them to build up networks in their local community. We run seven local women’s centres which enable women to build up skills and self-esteem, and encourages them to move into employment. The CRC is committed to Making a Difference by developing creative and innovative ways to improve outcomes for victims, service users and communities.”
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