Ground-breaking project targets prisoners at risk of re-offending

A GROUND-BREAKING new pilot project aims to help those leaving prison to stay off the streets and to build new lives.

The £6m Government trial, to be run at prisons in Leeds, Bristol and Pentonville in London, will target vulnerable prisoners who are at particular risk of reoffending, setting them up with a stable home and helping them to find a job or apply for benefits.

The Government says former prisoners without a stable home are more likely to reoffend.

Announcing the plans, Justice Secretary David Gauke yesterday 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.”

The released prisoners will be provided with rental deposits and other help to get a home from the day they leave jail.

A new partnership between the prisons, local authorities, probation staff, charities and others will see teams work together to help those leaving prison to find a suitable home and job as well as ensuring they are able to access other support needed.

The two-year programme forms just one part of the Government’s £100m Rough Sleeping Strategy, which was announced during the summer.

If the pilot is a success, it could be rolled out across England.