The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland has been awarded £195,000 by the Ministry of Justice to help provide extra capacity within local support services over two-and-a-half years.
Funding will support victims impacted by the early release programme – and Progression Model – introduced by the Government as part of the Sentencing Act 2026.
Cleveland will receive £45,000 this year, £105,000 next year and £45,000 in 2028-29 in MOJ Surge Funding
Vital support and reassurance
Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Matt Storey said: “Many people are understandably concerned about the early release of prisoners.
“For victims, the impact can be even greater, bringing renewed anxiety and uncertainty.
“The additional funding will help services continue to provide vital support and reassurance, ensuring victims are not left to deal with their concerns alone.”
Funding will give victim support services extra capacity to provide advocacy, emotional and practical support to those, who need it.
Services receiving the funding include Victim Care and Advice Service (VCAS), Harbour, My Sister’s Place, Eva, Arch Teesside, Suzy Lamplugh Trust, Halo and Alongside (formerly A Way Out.)
Personalisation Fund
As a result of the MOJ cash, a Personalisation Fund will be introduced. It will give victims access to extra help with security including tools, equipment and services.
Part of the funding will enable victim services – and the wider workforce – to be upskilled.
Staff will be trained around changes to offender management, licence conditions and the role of probation under the new regime.
In addition to local services, Victim Support has been commissioned nationally to provide a dedicated Offender Release Helpline.
It provides information, emotional and practical support. It also offers help to access other services for people affected by, or worried about, the release of an offender.
Contact the Helpline on 0808 168 9280.