Services will be working together under one roof.
Merton offenders are being given the opportunity to turn their lives around thanks to a new service which opened this new year.
The new Integrated Offender Management Hub in South Wimbledon was officially opened on January 10 by the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Stephen Greenhalgh.
“This hub will enable services to work together under one roof with service users,” said Cllr Edith Macauley, Merton cabinet member for community safety, engagement and equality.
“I believe working together will help reduce the number of people who go on to reoffend.”
Partner agencies include Merton’s alcohol and substance abuse service, the homeless charity SHP, National Careers Service and Moving-On, a service which provides employment skills.
Revolving Doors, a charity that works to improve and change systems for offenders, has praised this approach, which should mean better coordinated access to support for people seeking to turn their lives around.
“Many repeat offenders face multiple problems at once, including mental health issues, addiction, and homelessness,” said Dominic Williamson, CEO of Revolving Doors.
“In the long run, this kind of approach will help the community by reducing crime, help offenders to tackle their underlying problems, and save money by allowing local services to work together more effectively.”
Work began on the former workshop premises in October to transform the building into an uplifting and creative environment for ex-offenders.
New facilities include five PCs with internet access, a kitchen, library area, interview room and staff office.
London Probation Trust assistant chief officer Mark Johnstone outlined plans to build the capacity of the hub to reduce reoffending rates.
He said: “The Hub is creating an opportunity to engage with partners and service users and change the lives of offenders to make Merton an even safer borough.”
Photo courtesy of hammersmithandfulham, with thanks.
Follow us @SW_Londoner
