How is Pact supporting people leaving prison under the early release scheme?

Pact staff around England and Wales have been stepping up to support people leaving prison under the early release scheme.  

Despite a huge amount of work from everyone involved in the process, it is a sad fact that too many people leave prison without the basics they need to resettle in the community. People who leave prison with a home, a job, and good family relationships are much less likely to reoffend.

Pact has been working closely with colleagues from prisons and other voluntary sector organisations to:  

• Open Visitors’ Centres early. This allows prison leavers and their families somewhere to get help and advice or just a cup of tea and some supportive words.  
• Provide prison leavers with special ‘release packs’ that include some of the basics people need in the first few days after release.  
• Carry out more intensive one-to-one casework support for people in the run-up to release.
• Offer release grants for prison leavers so they can buy some of the basics, such as microwaves, mattresses, or bedding. There has been a significant increase in grant applications over recent weeks.   
• Support families on the Prisoners’ Families Helpline. Run by Pact, the team takes around 800 calls a week. The number for the helpline is 0800 808 2003, and you can find more information and advice at www.prisonersfamilies.org.

Media contacts

• media@prisonadvice.org.uk
• 07933 386 800 or 07702 517486