City prisoners in pilot scheme to halt reoffending
BRISTOL’S prison is one of three in the UK to pilot a trailblazing new scheme to help offenders to stay off the streets and out of trouble.
HMP Bristol has been chosen alongside Pentonville and Leeds prisons to spearhead the £6 million pilot programme, aimed at helping vulnerable ex-prisoners find and stay in stable accommodation.
Research shows that those who are homeless or in temporary accommodation are significantly more likely to reoffend within a year than those with a stable place to live.
The pilot will target prisoners finishing short sentences who are at high risk of returning to prison.
The scheme represents the latest in a series of national measures aimed at breaking the cycle of reoffending, from improving prisoners’ employment prospects to reinforcing family ties.
A new partnership approach between the prison, Bristol City Council, probation staff, charities and others will see teams work together to provide the support prisoners need when they are released – such as signing up for benefits – but will primarily be focused on finding them suitable accommodation.
The two-year programme forms part of the Government’s £100 million Rough Sleeping Strategy announced over the summer.
Justice Secretary David Gauke, who announced the project, said: “These ground-breaking pilots will help prevent rough sleeping among vulnerable ex-offenders and support them as they start a new life after prison.
“As well as ensuring people have somewhere to live, dedicated key worker support will help ex-offenders manage the practical challenges of finding a job and other issues that come with trying to reintegrate into society.
“Every time we help an ex-prisoner into a new life - with a stable home, strong relationships and a regular job - we increase the chances of seeing fewer victims of crime in the future.”
Housing benefit top-ups and rental deposits will ensure that accommodation will be provided from the day offenders leave prison, bolstered through wraparound support from key workers to address other needs which may normally cause the loss of a tenancy, such as attending appropriate probation and employment appointments.
Once the trial is completed, it will be fully evaluated to assess the potential for the scheme to be rolled out more widely across England.
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These ground-breaking pilots will help prevent rough sleeping among vulnerable ex-offenders and support them as they start a new life after prison.
Justice Secretary David Gauke