Our ex-offenders service is located primarily in North Shields, and surrounding area. It provides supported short-term housing to males and females above the age of 18, who are clients of The National Probation Service (and on occasion from outside the area if approved by local statutory agencies), people who require support on release from a custodial sentence and people who are at risk of offending if not suitably housed and supported.
We receive referrals primarily from within the Criminal Justice System. However, we also consider referrals from other partner agencies.
Client Group
The service provides 36 bed spaces in either self contained flats or shared houses. A limited number of satellite house are provided in the community. All properties are of a high standard, fully furnished and close to local amenities. Clients are issued with a short-hold tenancy. All clients are expected to require and access support as part of their terms of residency.
Service Details
Clients are allocated a link worker on arrival who will regularly meet with the client to develop support plans and work together on any identified aims or goals. The service actively aims to encourage independence. Staff provide practical support and assistance in seeking permanent accommodation. We offer a range of support services tailored to the individual needs.
The service promotes anti discriminatory practices creating a user led service where clients can feel valued. The service works closely with other sector agencies both statutory and voluntary.
Good work stories
Some clients will not want to access formal training, so we link basic skills together as we go through everyday activities such football (tournaments), walks, cooking classes, and guitar sessions.
Clients have also participated in short courses such as Basic Food Hygiene, First Aid etc. The service has recently participated in the Health Living, Healthy Business Award, where a Gold Award was recently awarded to the service. We also have informal events such as B-B-Q’s in order to encourage social participation.
Team
All employees are subject to CRB checks, in order to assure all of the people who use our Services that our workers are fit for purpose. The team consists of a Service Manager, project workers, admin staff, cleaners and relief staff. The service is manned over a 24hr period, 7 day period.