The organisation that supervises low- and medium- risk
offenders in south east and south west England this week opened a
new telephone helpline for people on probation worried about the
impact of coronavirus (Covid-19) on areas of their life such as
finances, housing and mental health.
KSS CRC set up the advice line for the 19,000 people it
supervises to signpost them to services quickly as their
circumstances change as a result of the pandemic. It is hoped
that by intervening early to offer help, probation workers can
ease the pandemic’s impact on areas of offenders’ lives which may
drive their criminal behaviour.
The support line is staffed by a dedicated team of skilled
and experienced probation workers, some of whom have had their
usual work suspended due to restrictions in place as part of the
nationwide lockdown. It is in addition to the routine and regular
appointments people on probation maintain with their supervising
officer.
The service is open every day except bank holidays and
available to offenders under KSS CRC supervision, which includes
those categorised as low- and medium- risk in south east England
(Kent, Surrey and Sussex) and the south west (Bristol,
Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire, Dorset, Devon and
Cornwall). Details of how to reach the service have been shared
directly with offenders through their supervisors.
KSS CRC deputy chief probation officer, Cynthia Allen,
said:
“This support line will provide the people we supervise
with advice they need to tackle the problems they face because of
the pandemic. Many of the root causes offending behaviour may be
made worse at this time, whether that is down to loss of jobs
creating financial stress or anxiety about the future
exacerbating anger, mental ill-health or substance misuse
issues.
“Early intervention to signpost people to the support
available is at the heart of our approach. This will help the
people we supervise to make better choices, reduce the likelihood
of reoffending and strengthen the safety of everyone in the
communities we serve.”
Ends
Notes to editors
-
Kent Surrey & Sussex Community Rehabilitation
Company Ltd (KSS CRC) works to reduce reoffending and in so
doing, improve people’s lives – potential victims as well as
perpetrators of crime. KSS CRC works with people who have
been sentenced by a court to either custody or community
supervision and who are classed as low to medium
risk.
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KSS CRC is part of the Seetec Group, an employee-owned
company. For further information, please see http://ksscrc.co.uk
