May 2, 2012
At the end of March Bounce Back hosted a lunchtime reception in its wonderful Kennington workspace. Over 100 supporters and associated partners attended the event with a large percentage of the Bounce Back Painting and Decorating team taking time out from their projects to join in with the celebrations to officially acknowledge 2 years of Bounce Back and the launch of “Brush Up”.
Speeches from Founder, Francesca Findlater, and Julian Hosking from HMP Wandsworth marked some of the great work going on in Kennington and the fact that over 70 recruits have now been with Bounce Back. The 98% non re-offending rate makes everyone very proud and Victor Roffey, Senior Programmes Consultant, chatted with a couple of the team members to hear about the impact its had on them being part of the team – which gave everyone an informative and emotive insight into the positive work from every level.
It was also a chance to launch “Brush Up” – the voluntary community work experience initiative from Bounce Back whereby painting and decorating teams work in the local area offering their skills. The Mayor Boris Johnson offered his apologies for not attending and is fully in support of the project, as is Kate Hoey the local MP.
The large training centre was full to capacity with both the downstairs art collection and upstairs training rooms on view for tours. Glasses were raised and everyone enjoyed some excellent food from Dean, formerly of the Clink Restaurant in High Down, now brilliant private caterer.
