Some people, even after completing their sentence, are considered at high risk of harm to the public. These people must reside in Approved Premises (APs) for the first 3-6 months in the community. However, these are in national shortage and due to their status, can isolate residents from support and community.
*Names have been changed
Eric was abused by his stepfather as a child before being taken into foster care, where he suffered sexual abuse by a group of men for a decade. He was born with a physical defect, is short-sighted and has a long history of substance misuse and addiction. He went in and out of jail for decades, culminating in his latest offence. Eric has severe self-esteem, anxiety and depression and has consistently acknowledged his offences and accepts he needs help.
He was released from prison to an AP, which promptly closed due to staff shortages. He was moved to two further hostels, one being very unsuitable, which greatly increased his anxiety. We helped Eric to find accommodation, and he found a flat of his own. We supported him in signing up with the GP, dentist, and mental health services. We supported him with budgeting and securing a grant for a bicycle so he can get around and be active, which he loves.
We assisted Eric in joining a local chat. We continued to talk to him, usually during walks, providing him with a safe space to be heard non-judgmentally and to receive guidance on the dilemmas he faced. He was highly anxious about encountering any people as he worried they would find out about his offences. As a result, we began supporting him with an application to change his name, providing a level of security to prevent strangers from finding out about the offences online. Unfortunately, someone who knew him saw him outside his flat. They were highly verbally aggressive and told the neighbours about his offences. Eric did not respond and contacted his Probation officer for advice and help.
Eric was moved yet again. Initially, the head of the AP planned to transfer him to an unsuitable premise; however, we supported him in advocating for himself. The transfer was cancelled, and the new location permitted him to take his bicycle. Here, we were able to help him complete his application to change his name.
Eric continued to engage with us and, yet again, was supported in accessing new services, including GP and mental health. He has remained clean of alcohol and drugs, and though he is still anxious, he is far more resilient, calmer and keen to build his own life with part-time work. He is feeling positive about his future.
