Post release support to be put in place for Preston prisoners

HMP Preston in Ribbleton Street Pic: Betty Longbottom

Newly-released prisoners from HMP Preston are to be given help adjusting to life on the outside thanks to a new initiative.

Housing association Great Places is to offer post release support through the United Together programme, which aims to reduce the likelihood of repeat offending.

The programme follows a successful week-long pilot delivered in conjunction with Active Lancashire and Preston North End Community and Education Trust.

The partners ran a varied programme working with 12 Preston Prison offenders with the aim of providing skills and support that will help build confidence and resilience to reduce the likelihood of them reoffending.

The Great Places Community Investment Team provided confidence boosting, employability, stress management, wellbeing and mindfulness sessions, alongside sports, nutrition and mental health first aid training delivered by the other partners.

As part of their partnership work with the More Positive Together Programme based in Lancashire, the Great Places team will offer all the attendees from the pilot the opportunity to receive ongoing support and 1-2-1 guidance on their release.

HMP Preston Pic: Rept0n1x — Pic: Rept0n1x

The housing association, which sits on the Lancashire-wide Tackling Re-Offending steering group, is in discussions with Active Lancashire about how similar support can be rolled out to other prison services. The team is also in the process of confirming a second training programme with Preston Prison, which is due to start in April.

Community Investment Manager at Great Places Housing Group, Keira Burns, said: “It’s been a real privilege to be part of this pilot project; we got so much from the experience both personally and professionally.

“We are looking forward to being part of this ongoing work and adding as much value as possible. ”

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