Family and Friends Forum

Life after prison - Early days

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BlueJayy

Member since
October 2022

13 posts

Posted Sun October 29, 2023 9:27amReport post

Hi all,



Does anyone have any experience to share on what support was available to the offender they know, when they were released from prison? Specifically around housing, mental health and employment/benefits.



I've read the .gov site and checked out Unlock. It's more hearing what has worked for others and what to expect that would help please.



This is particularly difficult because I wasn't intending to have contact when they were released but they have acknowledged they're not in a good place.



Truly, any replies would be appreciated.



Thanks in advance and take care

Smile through tears

Member since
September 2021

2550 posts

Posted Sun October 29, 2023 9:45amReport post

I'd be very interested in any replies here.

I believe, from a good source, a prisoner receives a 'resettlement package' where they support you with housing, finances etc. also relevant treatment programmes depending on your risk level.

My son will have nothing when released and will need every bit of support offered / so pray this will be reality!

Edited Sun October 29, 2023 6:26pm

Smile through tears

Member since
September 2021

2550 posts

Posted Sun October 29, 2023 6:27pmReport post

anyone's help - welcome x

Parkerpoo1

Member since
July 2022

252 posts

Posted Sun October 29, 2023 8:57pmReport post

Post deleted


Edited Thu December 21, 2023 10:08am

BlueJayy

Member since
October 2022

13 posts

Posted Sun October 29, 2023 9:01pmReport post

Thanks for stopping by Smile and Parker. Sending you both all the best and if I find out anything separately I'll add it here.

Life feels over

Member since
September 2022

412 posts

Posted Mon October 30, 2023 8:26amReport post

Also following but have included some information.

@ParkerPoo as a veteran there should be support available through project Nova.

Ex Seed are an employment agency offering employment support, they are able to take referrals following release or in the final 3 months of sentence. There's a book which was recommended by Ex Seed which is available in most prison libraries but is also available to buy on Amazon. I took a copy in for my husband, he says it's very informative.

https://walkingwiththewounded.org.uk/Home/Programmes/16

https://www.ex-seed.co.uk/

How To Get a Great Job When You Have A Criminal Record: A clear pathway into employment or self-employment including all the templates you need to get results

Edited by moderator Mon October 30, 2023 9:57am

Sarah ??

Member since
January 2021

177 posts

Posted Tue October 31, 2023 7:38amReport post

Hi,

My ex was released last year. Was housed in approved accommodation and supported to find permanent address. No support with job search - other than weekly sign on at job centre. Took him 3 months to find work - wasn't bothered about the job so took the first job he was offered.

His support worker (with housing) helped him with benefits etc. Probation where dreadful.


Xxx

Edited by moderator Tue October 31, 2023 9:40am

Smile through tears

Member since
September 2021

2550 posts

Posted Tue October 31, 2023 9:03amReport post

Sarah - your post gives us hope, Thankyou for posting.

Fatso

Member since
November 2019

107 posts

Posted Tue October 31, 2023 8:17pmReport post

My son came home last year, he was not offered any help at all, but we had him living with us until recently when he moved back to his own place, fortuntley my husband is self employed therefore was able to help him. Good news as well he has just had a new baby.

Bettyboo65

Member since
June 2022

339 posts

Posted Tue October 31, 2023 9:15pmReport post

Fatso, that's amazing news for your son, and having a new baby :) , that's a massive achievement and gives hope to all other young men in these situations, there is hope of some kind of normality xxx

Smile through tears

Member since
September 2021

2550 posts

Posted Wed November 1, 2023 7:06amReport post

Your post scares to to death Fatso, I sincerely hope my son will get support when release time comes from prison. If not I dread to think of the consequences......

good news your son has moved on of course and had a baby x

Edited Wed November 1, 2023 7:09am

Fatso

Member since
November 2019

107 posts

Posted Wed November 1, 2023 1:17pmReport post

Smile through

I am sorry it was not meant to scare you, we were lucky in that my son had 13 weeks of counselling before he came home due to his mental health hich finished just a week before which helped him prepare for the outside world, it took a lot of hard work from all of us to arrage this.I wish i could remember who we spoke to but i cant remermber now and soory to say do not ever want to go back to that place again.

Smile through tears

Member since
September 2021

2550 posts

Posted Wed November 1, 2023 3:57pmReport post

No worries Fatso........ I just hope he isn't just thrown out on the street, but I'm sure that won't be the case as he'll carry a mountain of restrictions and how can that be monitored if you are homeless......

Edited Thu November 2, 2023 6:04am