02 October 2006
More than 70 homeless or formerly homeless people came together in South London last month to make their views heard and influence the way their services are run.
Service user representative Dennis Rogers (right) chats to Simon Hughes MP
The conference, ‘Chatbout’, was held by Thames Reach Bondway at the Albany theatre in Deptford.
A panel session allowed attendees to ask questions of and put their views to influential people including Simon Hughes, MP for North Southwark and Bermondsey and Liberal Democrat Party President, and senior figures within the charity.
Delegates also attended a series of workshops – ranging from aromatherapy to podcasting – and had the chance to find out about training and work opportunities available to them.
Seven new representatives were elected to the Central Service User Council, through which homeless people meet twice a year with the Thames Reach Bondway’s board of trustees and senior management team.
Sean Salisbury enjoys a massage during the aromatherapy workshop.
Dennis Rogers, a member of the Council, said: “I feel it’s very important for service users to have the chance to have their say. The senior management team aren’t mind-readers – we need to tell them what we think.”
Thames Reach Bondway Chief Executive Jeremy Swain said: “Thames Reach Bondway has worked hard to break down the traditional ‘us and them’ relationship between service providers and the people they support.
“These days, service users are part of the life-blood of the organisation. At Chatbout they can tell me, influential politicians such as Simon Hughes and the Chair of our Board what more needs to be done for homeless people – and we can’t get off the hook.
“The challenging but constructive way in which service users debate and influence at Chatbout is inspirational.”
The word ‘Chatbout’ comes from the Jamaican term relating to a community gathering.
