Chris Parsons’ Blog

Hello, Christmas is coming and I am waiting outside the Totnes supermarket. Despite my disguise of looking old, grumpy and wearing a hat, festive folk surprisingly want to talk to me… “How’s LandWorks going?”, said a…

Hello, A few days ago, I went out and yelled at all the smokers, as they sat in exclusion, in the tiny damp smoking area. At LandWorks smokers are completely the majority (most days 100% of…

Hello, I opened the gates as usual. Still dark, the security lights flash on. I found my office, revved up my computer and got on with stuff. As the morning light came up, I started to…

Hello, Sometimes, as in right now, I look for hope, resilience, and the human spirit… A promised land. Very sadly, four young LandWorks graduates have died this year, all tragically. All graduates from over the last ten…

Hello, During our supporters’ event last month, a very pleasant, determined supporter took me to one side and said quite clearly, “Look Chris, there are many of your supporters like me who can afford to donate…

Hello, I ran to our shop, clutching a box of freshly laid eggs. These were for a waiting customer, who told me (in a strong Geordie accent) “Chris man, you’re not quite as efficient as Stephen…

Hello, A very frequent question… “You just work with the easy ones don’t you, that’s why your success rate is so high and reoffending rate so low?” A good and pertinent question. The simple answer is….

Hello, One of the remarkable things about LandWorks is that those who complete a placement rarely lose contact. For loads of different reasons, people want to stay in touch. We call this ever-expanding group, ‘LandWorks graduates’…

Hello, “Chris mate, it was this prison sentence that saved me.” Karl B told me this in 2005 (pre-LandWorks), he had just been released from HMP Channings Wood and was explaining his life story. It stunned…

Hello, Capturing a few thoughts from recent visitors… “Weather’s lovely!” “Food is just great.” “The people here are amazing.” “It feels like this is how life should be.” “My visit made such a massive impression on…

Hello, Darryl called in at our house on Saturday morning, he often does. It’s nice, the three of us have a cup of tea and a chat. We have known each other for 9 years. When…

Hello, It’s been a funny old week. Last Sunday the half marathon runners completed the course and raised an incredible £11,247 – a huge thank you to everyone who sponsored them. My slightly odd feeling though…