A Different Life: The Experiences of Core Members and Volunteers on the Safer Living Foundations Circles of Support and Accountability

Abstract

This chapter records the thoughts and feelings of Core Members and a volunteer within Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA). The interviews focussed on the Core Members’ histories and how they came to offend. They then discussed the positives and negatives of their respective Circles with regard to their rehabilitation and reintegration into the community, whilst the volunteer gave her impressions of the training, structure and effectiveness of her Circle along with her impressions of the concept as a whole. The coordinator then gave his view of Circles along with a conclusion. This feedback will enable the SLF to improve the effectiveness of their Circles, whilst also giving an insight into the thoughts, feelings and impressions of those most closely involved.

Dave Potter is coordinator for the Safer Living Foundation’s Community Circles of Support and Accountability.