13 June 2025

June celebrates Pride Month. This month is a month-long celebration that recognises the LGBTQ+ community and their contributions to society. It is a time to stand in solidarity with their fight for equality, acceptance, and human rights. This month, we're sharing stories of team members that are part of our LGBTQ+ network at Hestia. The Hestia LGBTQ+ Network brings together staff from across the organisation to support staff and service users who identify as LGBTQ+. We also encourage LGBTQ+ Allies to be part of the wider Network.

We sat down with Chris, Chair of LGBTQ+ network to discuss his journey at Hestia and what pride and Pride Month means to him.   

   

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Job role: Director of Criminal Justice Services

Hi, my name is Chris, and I am Director of Criminal Justice Services and Chair of the LGTBQ+ network. I first came across Hestia while working as a Senior Probation Officer. In the past, third sector organisations have helped me through difficult times – periods of crisis and isolation. Now, working for one that supports thousands of people in crisis across London is an honour.

My day-to-day is a mix of strategic planning and hands-on management. I’m still very much involved in working closely with my team, service users and the premises we run. I oversee the work of a large team and make sure they feel supported to deliver the best service for the people we work with. Over the years I’ve learnt that, given the complexity and risk level of the work we do, if your team feel supported and valued, they will deliver the best service to those we support.

One thing I like about Hestia as an organisation is the career growth it offers to team members. I’ve seen lots of my team move successfully into new roles and make an impact in other parts of the organisation.  We’ve had someone start as a night worker in criminal justice and they now work as a service manager in a Complex Needs Service. Watching them bloom is fantastic.

Working with service users is deeply rewarding. Success might look different here – it can mean someone not reoffending or completing a placement with us. We support people through the Cycle of Change, helping them embed themselves, once again, into the community.

Someone that we supported recently had been in prison for fifteen years and then they came to us and had a successful six-month stay. Then they moved on to their own independent accommodation. They’re still in touch with the team and have adhered to their licence, which is crucial, that means the public is protected and that they themselves are also safe and in a place of security and hope. It’s a powerful example of how we help bridge the gap between custody and community.

Another highlight during my time at Hestia was opening Highbury Approved Premises which, at the time, was the only women’s premises in London. We’re a flagship service, operating with some very complex cases with a high success rate for those who move on. I’m proud to have led that alongside my incredible team.

I feel so honoured to be Chair of Hestia’s LGBTQ+ network. When I first joined, I was a little hesitant. I guess I thought, “what could I possible do to make change?” But whilst being at Hestia, becoming part of the network and then becoming co-chair of the network, I realised how much I want to impact change for people from the LGBTQ+ community, both for colleagues and service users.   I feel proud and really want to make sure all the colleagues who identify in that community feel that they have a safe space.