People with an offending history

People with a history of offending are more likely to have a positive and successful rehabilitation if they have access to suitable accommodation.

If you are in prison, you may have access to support through a prison Resettlement Service. Upon your release from prison, your Probation Officer will manage your supervision in the community.  Both organisation’s should work together to create a resettlement plan. If you are threatened with homelessness upon your release from prison, you should be referred to the Council.

Under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, the Duty to Refer places responsibilities on specified public bodies to refer households who may be homeless or threatened with homelessness, to council homelessness services. This includes:

• Prisons
• Young offender institutions
• Secure training centres
• Secure colleges
• Youth offending teams
• Probation services

Early notification of potentially homeless cases enables the Council to work in collaboration with HM Prisons, National Probation Service, Youth Offending Services and any other relevant partner organisations, to support former offenders to secure suitable accommodation that meets the needs of the person and satisfies the requirements of the licence conditions.

Eastleigh Borough Council understands that some people with a history of offending have multiple needs. There are various options to explore to support former offenders to secure accommodation, including those with specific needs. These include:

Supported housing, covering:

• Young persons'
• Mental Health
• Social inclusion
• Offender rehabilitation
• Domestic abuse
• HM Forces personnel

Community based support

Emergency housing (homeless hostels)

Temporary accommodation

Privately rented accommodation

Loan schemes to secure accommodation

Relocation to the North of England

Contact us
If you have an offending history and would benefit from housing related advice, or help to seek and secure accommodation, please contact us. A daily duty drop-in service is available at Eastleigh House during office opening hours or by telephone on 023 8068 000.

The following organisations and contact details may also be useful:

Turn 2 Us
Financial advice and support
Website: www.turn2us.org.uk/Your-Situation/A-prisoner

PACT (The Prison Advice and Care Trust)
Supporting people affected by imprisonment
Helpline 0808 808 2003
Email: info@prisonadvice.org.uk
Website: www.prisonadvice.org.uk

NACRO
Resettlement advice to offenders (including housing, employment, education and training and health)
Telephone: 0300 123 1999
Email: helpline@nacro.org.uk
Website: www.nacro.org.uk

Women In Prison
Supporting women in prison and the community
Telephone: 0800 953 0125
Email: info@wipuk.org
Website: www.womeninprison.org.uk