£195,000 support service launched in West Midlands for victims affected by early prisoner releases
Free and confidential help is available through Victim Support
A new support service has been set up in the West Midlands for victims affected by the early release of prisoners.
The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, is urging victims and anyone affected by the Government's expanded early release programme to get in touch.
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has awarded the Commissioner £195,000 through the PCC Surge Fund to set up a dedicated victim support advisor.
The role is overseen and delivered by the independent charity Victim Support.
What the service offers
According to the release, the advisor will provide free, confidential emotional and practical support.
The advisor will listen to victims' concerns, build personalised safety plans and speak up for them with the police, probation and other criminal justice agencies.
The funding also covers help to improve the safety of victims' homes, including paying for security measures such as cameras.
The early release programme
The Commissioner's office says the Government's early release programme is expected to see around 5,000 prisoners freed across England and Wales.
It says roughly 1,350 offenders have been released into communities since 1st October.
That follows an initial phase of 700 people and a second phase of 650 more.
Funding criticism
Mr Foster has welcomed the service but criticised the MoJ's decision to give every police force area the same amount of money.
He described the flat-rate funding model as inexcusable and unfair.
He said giving identical amounts regardless of population size and need means the West Midlands has been short-changed.
He said this undermines support for victims in a region facing higher levels of crime, demand and vulnerability.
What they said
Mr Foster said:
"The government's expanded early release scheme is causing understandable anxiety and concern for many victims across our communities, especially as the number of releases continues to grow.
"My top priority will always be the safety and wellbeing of victims. This £195,000 funding allows us to step in with robust, practical measures. Whether you need an independent advocate to champion your safety, or emergency funding to physically secure your home or help you move, we are here for you.
"It is essential that victims affected by the early prisoner release scheme are empowered, understood, informed and supported. This is what our specialist support service aims to ensure."
Victims' Advocate Natalie Queiroz MBE said:
"For many survivors, the thought of an offender leaving prison early can feel terrifying and incredibly destabilising. This dedicated service is a vital lifeline. It gives victims an independent professional who is solely focused on their needs - listening without judgment, planning for their safety, helping put in those security measures and making sure their voices are heard by the authorities.
"If you are feeling overwhelmed or unsafe because of these changes, please make that call."
Karen Holgate, operations manager at West Midlands Victim Support, said:
"We are pleased to be delivering this new role for those affected by the government's changes to prisoner release dates. Many will be experiencing renewed anxiety, fear and uncertainty after already having navigated a challenging criminal justice process.
"But Victim Support West Midlands' new specialist advisor is here to provide much-needed support, advice and guidance, so victims don't have to face this new challenge alone."
How to get support
The service is confidential and independent of the police.
Anyone affected by the early release programme can call the Offender Release Helpline on 0808 168 9280.
Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
A referral form and more information are available at victimsupport.org.uk.