The 2019 Lord Farmer Review for Women highlights the specific needs of women with convictions and sees family relationships as ‘utterly indispensable’ for their rehabilitation. The review recognises that women often face a very different set of challenges to male prisoners. Not only are they more likely to have dependent children, but they have often experienced abuse and/or trauma that affects their ability to sustain healthy relationships (and may be ongoing). Effective resettlement support for women tailored to address these challenges, ideally beginning pre-release, is therefore essential to reducing the risk of reoffending.

Pact’s pioneering initiative Journeys to Freedom supports women leaving prison both immediately before release and for up to three months following their release. The programme, which currently operates in London and Kent, includes ongoing one-to-one support from a Pact keyworker or Family Engagement Worker.

A recent evaluation of this service has revealed ‘excellent’ outcomes in supporting women leaving prison to successfully reintegrate into the community and reduce their likelihood of reoffending.

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Pre-release, service users can access one-to-one interventions designed by Pact that cover some of the challenges and issues they may face in returning home and to the community. With the help of their keyworker, they will also create a personal action plan to guide their resettlement journey and thereby reduce the likelihood of being recalled to prison.

On release, participating women will be met and supported by their Pact worker and, over the following weeks, receive as little or as much support as they need to:

• attend key meetings (such as probation, drug or alcohol, or medical)
• find and secure appropriate accommodation
• set up benefits and manage finances
• find suitable employment, training, or education opportunities
• improve relationships with family members and build a positive support network

They will also receive a ‘release pack’ that includes key items such as PPE, toiletries, and a mobile phone (essential for communication with family members and service providers).

As part of their journey, the women can access Pact welfare grants, which can be used to fund essential items such as bedding, furniture, and white goods. They can also take advantage of comprehensive online training and support to increase confidence and build the knowledge and skills needed to find employment or access further education/training.

The Journeys 2 Freedom programme is jointly funded by London Housing Foundation, Colyer-Fergusson Charitable Trust, and City Bridge Trust.

For more information about this programme, please contact Pact on 020 7735 9535 or email [email protected].