Pedigree

History

HACRO (The Hertfordshire Association for the Care and Rehabilitation of Offenders) was officially born at a meeting of 120 people on 7th March 1974 at which the then President of Nacro, Lord Donaldson, welcomed its inauguration. Since then HACRO has become renowned locally, in its area of expertise, for the services that it provides.

Initially HACRO looked into problems of hostel accommodation, the prison project at Bovingdon, education in schools, basic skills and awareness of community needs.

A membership scheme was introduced (£15 per year) which now has 120 members.

Today the charity has grown to become an invaluable resource to offenders trying to turn their lives around and to Probation, Social Services and the Police who value the work to reduce reoffending across the country.

Alongside this, HACRO has a comprehensive network of relationships with other charities who provide services to our Participants or refer their clients to us.

In the early years HACRO was run on a totally voluntary base and today has a small, specialist paid staff supported by a group of committed volunteers.

    Over the years HACRO has supported and run numerous project a few of which are listed here:

    • 3 Rivers Victim Support
    • Scheme Centre 33 - a drop in center for the homeless
    • The Saturday Action Group - IT Community based scheme
    • Visitors Centre at HMP The Mount
    • Projects in the Community
    • Leaving Prison Behind
    • Parenting Courses
    • Dedicated Dads
    • Visits Hall Coffee Bar
    • Prison Mini Bus Service
    • Watford Queens Road Hostel
    • Play Area within HMP The Mount
    • Step Inside - Volunteers into Prison
    • Small Grants
    • Building Better Opportunities
    • Caring Dads

    Recognition for HACRO

     

    • In October 2023, Chief Constable of Hertfordshire, Charlie Hall stated:

    “I have seen first-hand the benefits of the work HACRO do and the positive impact in reducing recidivism. The numerous cohorts of offenders supported by HACRO speak highly of the positive impact HACRO has had on their lives.”

    • Hertfordshire County Council: one of only 7 of 27 former BBO partners invited to participate in a new project funded via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Jo Beazley, Manager of this programme, wrote in November 2023:

    “I have no knowledge of another organisation within Hertfordshire that can provide such high-quality support with successful outcomes…..the work that HACRO does so well benefits not only the individuals but other services and support such as (but no limited to) the police, courts, probation and homeless charities.”

          • 2023 Tudor Trust, in providing further unrestricted funds for three years wrote:

          “…..HACRO is an incredibly tenacious and resilient organisation which has overcome significant obstacles and constantly adapted in order to be able to continue providing meaningful and person centred support.”

           

          • National Runner-Up, Regional and County Winner of the Lawn Tennis Association Connecting Communities Award 2023