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’ who we are in regular contact with.
The importance of these connections is significant, and we have discovered that this long-term relationship underpins all the good work that they did on their placement at LandWorks.
The desire and need to keep in touch stems from feelings of belonging, inclusion and acceptance that were fostered during their placement here.
For me it is a simple equation… we put a lot of effort and high resource into an intensive 6–9-month placement and then provide (low cost) follow-up support that reinforces and secures all the initial good work.
This is an essential ingredient to our form of resettlement.
This contact fall into two types…
Random contact… Daily there may be a few text messages, phone calls or people visiting.
This week around 12 phone conversations and 3 visits.
Some easy-going subjects around better lives, and other much harder family tragedies… but all find some support, comfort and affirmation by being in touch.
Regular contact… Every two months we try to make sure we have spoken to all our graduates. The last catch-up was 147 people.
I tend to send an opening text, just saying hello and asking how things are going. This initiates a follow up conversation either on the phone or text.
So many stories unfold.
Ranging from quite normal stuff….
Hi Chris, all is fabulous thanks, in Cornwall at the mo to see my Grandchildren, will stop in and see you all one morning next week for coffee, say hello to all. See you soon
Hi Chris, it’s good to hear from you. Life is good thank you hectic but good lol. Hope your all ok at land works 😊
To better stuff…
Hiya Chris!
I am doing really well thank you. I am 18 months clean and sober completely and I’m in 12 step fellowship sponsoring others. I have a little cleaning job and managed to get away for a holidays. Life is really good thank you!
How are you? And how is everyone at Landworks? I cannot express my appreciation for you all and everything you all done for me in the past. I think about you all a lot! Congratulations on the award it was so truly deserved. 🙏
To other great endeavours…
I’m ok thanks Chris, got a cold but all is good. Doing a part time degree in crafts in Plymouth, ceramics, glass, wood and metal.
Have a lovely partner of 2 and half years. *****, an English teacher and were off to Turkey on holiday.
Congratulations on your award 👏. Very well deserved. Will call in some time soon. All the best 👍
To more immediate stuff…
Let me know if I can come up one day I really struggling atm, be nice to see you.
He is going to call in this week… I’m sure it will help, and like I said, long-term contact is an essential part of long-term successful resettlement.
Chris
15th August 2024