HACRO Highlights Housing Issues at 2016 Conference

Sep 29, 2016

“Lack of affordable housing is a major issue; and so is lack of suitable housing for men coming out of prison,” said Yasmin Batliwala, President of HACRO after their 2016 Conference. “Without the hope of secure accommodation, ex-offenders are liable to lapse back into the kinds of behaviour that got them into trouble in the first place. It’s absolutely vital that they can find somewhere from which to get their lives back on track and start to contribute to society.”

HACRO AGM & Conference. Welwyn HQ 21/9/2016

HACRO AGM & Conference. Welwyn HQ 21/9/2016

The theme at this year’s event was, “Would you welcome an ex-offender in your street?” and featured in a panel discussion chaired by HHJ Andrew Bright Resident Judge at St Albans Crown Court. Speakers included Tracy Wild, CEO of Langley House Trust a major charity and housing association; Stephen Tingley, Head of Housing and Benefits at Broxbourne Borough Council; Rob Edmonds, Head of Services at the Watford homeless charity New Hope Trust; and Michael Accurso a former rough sleeper and reformed addict.

HACRO AGM & Conference. Welwyn HQ 21/9/2016

ACC Mick Ball of the Hertfordshire Constabulary who hosted the event said, “Housing and employment are the two milestones on the path to effective rehabilitation of offenders. Hertfordshire Police is glad to enable HACRO to highlight these issues at their conference.”