We are delighted to announce Recoop, together with the Devon County Council and the three prisons (HMPs Channings Wood, Dartmoor and Exeter) were awarded Silver in the “Creative & Innovative Social Work Practice” category, for the Buddy Training & Management service in the Devon Prison Cluster.
Established in 2006, the Awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of social workers, promote social work and incentivise individuals and teams in the social work profession in order to achieve excellence.
The way in which social care is delivered in the Devon Cluster is having a significant impact on the lives of many, through the Buddy Scheme and the quality of the care management service that was found to be ‘impressive’ during a recent unannounced prison inspection.
Our work is about progression rather than maintenance; progression of strengths to support maximum independence from the social care system and the progression of prisoners to be long-term positive members of the community. The Buddy Scheme and its broader preventative outcomes, offer responsibility, purpose, opportunities to achieve and, crucially, worth. It is this that is helping to turn lives around and preventing what can be a cyclical pattern of reoffending which is good for both individuals and communities.
Paul Grainge, RECOOP Chief Officer, said: “We are thrilled at the recognition this working partnership and service is receiving in Devon. The work of the Buddies themselves is integral to its success. Their professionalism, compassion and enabling support is having such a positive impact of those they are supporting. It really is a fantastic example of what can be achieved with tenacity and commitment in a difficult environment.”
For further information on the Buddy Scheme, please contact us.
