What we do

There is no other service which supports ex/offenders in the community as we do.

Our aim is to support people within the community to move away from a lifestyle that may encourage offending or re-offending. This in turn strengthens communities, reduces crime, promotes social inclusion and enables the formulation of stronger family relationships.

Over ¼ of St Helens residents live in the 10% most deprived neighbourhoods in the country, this deprivation and need results in poor outcomes, including suicide, alcohol specific hospital stays, early death, and life expectancy lower than national average. Our work is focused on meeting the needs of those with convictions and at risk of re-offending. Their challenges include:

•              Poor mental health, caused by relationship conflicts, unemployment, and substance use, leading to anxiety, depression and psychosis.

•              Self-stigmatizing beliefs, making it difficult to reintegrate into society, find employment or housing.

•              Lacking skills needed to get a job.

•              Limited education or job skills, leading to higher unemployment and recidivism rates.

•              Trouble reconnecting with friends and family.

Recent (2024) evidence shows more than a quarter of criminals in St Helens reoffended within a year of their conviction or release from prison. 1,332 offenders in St Helens were released from prison, 370 reoffended within a year.

90% of people we help have multiple problems with complex needs arising from poverty, traumatic life events, mental health problems, drug and alcohol related needs and lack of support networks.