|
Northamptonshire Probation Area is one of 42 Probation Areas in England and Wales. Part of the new Ministry of Justice, we work in partnership with the people of Northamptonshire to create safer communities through the proper punishment and rehabilitation of offenders to reduce crime and risk. Our vision is to be a respected organisation which delivers excellence in the field of public safety serving the people of Northamptonshire.
With approximately 308 staff, all of our workforce seeks to treat all with whom we come into contact with integrity and respect. We are an organisation which values diversity and strive to utilise talents, skills and experiences whatever a person�s background.
We are strongly committed to delivering high quality services to local communities, offenders and victims to protect the public and reduce reoffending. We use risk assessment tools and interventions to impact on the lives of offenders to enable them to change their attitudes and behaviours which can make our communities safer places in which to live and work. Alongside this we work to engage offenders in employment, training or education which we know can have life-changing results. We also seek to reintegrate those who often feel marginalized back into their communities and instil a sense of personal responsibility. A significant part of this work involves appropriate enforcement action where an individual does not co-operate with the work he or she is required to carry out.
Success comes through effective partnerships. Staff who work for us, have produced examples of where we have transformed lives and communities by working with other agencies such as the police, prisons, courts, local authorities and voluntary organisations. This project shows that offenders can utilise their skills and talents to help others through mentoring/volunteering.
The Bridge Programme started with the help and support of the Northants Probation Area and provides opportunities for ex-offenders through referrals, advice, and the use of our facilities. The majority of referrals for mentoring have been from probation staff who look to work with other agencies to build a package of support and direction for an offender in order to protect the local community and reduce re-offending. It also offers assistance to individuals after probation supervision has ended.
Part of the inspiration for Bridge activities was the probation Lifestyles Programme which helps offenders re-integrate into society by involving them in exercise and everyday activities. Now, the biggest referrer to Bridge activities is Northamptonshire Probation Area.
Bridge staff work closely with Northants Probation to ensure that offenders comply with agreed activities as required. Many of the Bridge volunteers were first referred by probation officers who identified their skills and commitment, encouraging them to become mentors. In the two and a half years of the project, no volunteer has re-offended.
If you would like to know more about the Northamptonshire Probation Area and what we do, please have a look at our website at: www.northants-probation.org.uk
|
