HELPING ex-offenders is not always a popular cause, but if we don’t support prisoners on their release, they may soon be back inside leaving more victims behind – says Northumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth.

Her comments were made during a visit to HMP Northumberland where she met with prison officials and colleagues from Nepacs, a North of England charity supporting those affected by the criminal justice and care systems including families, young people, children and prisoners.

Discussions focussed on the systems in place to support prisoners both before and following their release to help them live a life free from crime on the outside, and break the cycle of re-offending. Adults released from custody after serving less than 12 months have a re-offending rate of 56.9% and an overall re-offending rate after leaving custody of 33.8%. The numbers are showing a year on year increase.

Nepacs are a key provider of this support and run initiatives such as the Re:settle project and departure lounges which provide guidance and practical information to support prisoners and their families during what can be a challenging period of adjustment.

Whilst on site, the Commissioner had a tour of the prison’s newest House Block, Alnwick House – which provides rehabilitative accommodation supporting residents with the transition to life outside, for those nearing the end of their sentence.

Near to this site, prisoners have access to a wide range of training and employment opportunities which are part of the prison’s focus on providing a real working environment.  The aim is to equip offenders with skills and experiences that will lead to improved employment opportunities on release and reduce re-offending.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said:

“I was impressed with how well the police, HMP Northumberland and the fantastic Nepacs team are working together already, but we all know more needs to be done, and more funding is needed, particularly following the previous Government’s austerity measures and prison underfunding.

“For me, the visit highlighted the difficulties faced by prison leavers when they’re released – and there is a real gap in funding for this. The North East is lucky to have the charity Nepacs working hard to plug this gap and fulfil this need.

“Our police are totally committed to catching criminals and getting them before the courts to seek justice for victims, but once they’ve served their sentence time, they need to have a plan. If an offender is released and wants to turn their life around – we need to support this – if they don’t have a roof over their head, a job to go to, it’s likely they’ll turn to crime once again.

The Commissioner added: “Prioritising victims and justice is a feature in my new Police and Crime Plan and reducing re-offending is a key part of this. If we are going to deliver safer streets and stronger communities, we have to give people in the criminal justice system the opportunity to change and help with housing, employment and health needs to rebuild their lives. Doing this brings benefits to the whole of society.”

Suzanne Henderson, Head of Reducing Reoffending at HMP Northumberland, said: “The prisoners and staff at HMP Northumberland were pleased to showcase and discuss the work both the prison and Nepacs do regarding prisoner’s families. The importance of having strong family ties while in our care cannot be underestimated. With the support of prisoner’s families and significant others, upon release, they are far less likely to reoffend while being integrated back into the community.

Not only do we recognise the importance of maintaining family ties for prisoners’ rehabilitation, but also for the families who often experience loss when their partners, parents, grandparents start a custodial sentence.  It is also important to acknowledge the impact on those who do not have family. We are equally committed to supporting prisoners who do not receive visits or contact from family by exploring support from the wider prison teams and community organisations.”

Amanda Lacey, Chief Executive Officer at Nepacs, said: “We were delighted to welcome Susan Dungworth, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner to meet our team at HMP Northumberland and to hear about the vital support we provide to those who come into prison, their children and families. Our staff and volunteers ensure that anyone impacted by imprisonment can receive the support and information they need to help them navigate the justice system. The impact of imprisonment on children and families can be particularly devastating which is why we feel it is important to support them every step of their journey and why funding for this type of work is so essential.  This includes ensuring those being released and their loved ones are supported when they leave prison and know where to go for help, maximising the chances of successful rehabilitation and ultimately reducing crime.”

 

ENDS