Encouraging start of AP feedback

I had a very productive morning today in meeting with Approved Premises residents.  It was planned as just to provide some information about desistance and the planned group sessions to view The Road from Crime.  I thought fifteen to twenty minutes was all that would be needed, I left the hostel one and a half hours later after
group session and individual discussion.  Although it could be argued that this was poor time management, I think it was a reflection of the quality of the discussions.

It wasn't used as a forum for just being negative about what isn't working or complaints.  Of course there were specific issues raised relating to individual cases, but I was encouraged by the focus of the residents on how there are areas of Probation that could be improved and also creative suggestions to do this.  The word that summed up the discussions for me was "constructive".  On the whole the comments were focused, considered and clear.

I wanted to use today to stimulate thinking for what the residents think encourages or frustrates desistance.  It provided much more than that already.  Already without time to consider in more detail, there were improvements suggested.  One suggestion was instead of reminding all residents about their appointments for the day, asking the individual if they would like to be reminded.  It's the individual approach that can encourage more independence in a situation where a resident may feel that they have no control.  There were lots of other suggestions that will certainly inform the project and development of incorporating desistance research in ASPT.

Today has confirmed the importance of gathering feedback from the people that we work with.  I am really looking forward to the group sessions next week and in incorporating The Road from Crime into the work.