Covid-19 telephone support line for people on probation

The organisation that supervises low and medium risk offenders in Dorset, Devon and Cornwall launched this week 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 4,200 people it supervises in the region 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.

It is in addition to the routine and regular appointments people on probation maintain with their supervising officer. 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.

The service is open every day except bank holidays and available to a total of 19,000 offenders under KSS CRC supervision, including 8,650 in south east England (Kent, Surrey and Sussex) and 6,350 in Bristol, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire. 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.”