Prison releases
Support if you are worried about changes to prison release arrangements.
These changes are known nationally as the Progression Model.
Need help now?
Contact Greater Manchester Victims’ Services:
- Call 0800 876 6155
- Email GMVictims@catch-22.org.uk
If you or someone else is in danger call 999.
If you need urgent police help but it is not an emergency, call 101.
If you are worried about what changes to prison release arrangements could mean for your or someone you know, support is available.
You can ask for information, advice and emotional support if you are:
- A victim of crime
- A family member, carer or supporter
- A witness
- A child or young person affected by an offender’s release
You do not need to be registered with the Victim Contact Scheme to ask for support.
What support is available?
National changes to prison release and supervision arrangements are being introduced under the Progression Model.
Some adults serving eligible fixed-term sentences may be released earlier than they would have been previously. They will remain on licence and will be subject to supervision and conditions in the community.
Greater Manchester Victims’ Services can offer:
- Information about the Progression Model and what it may mean for victims and survivors
- Emotional support and reassurance
- Practical advice and guidance
- Help to identify any support or safety needs
- Referrals to local and specialist services
- Additional support for people with more complex needs
Support is available regardless of the type of crime involved.
National and local support
Victim Support’s dedicated Offender Release Helpline provides information, emotional and practical support, and help to access other services.
It is available to people who are affected by, or worried about, the release of an offender.
Support may include:
- General information about the Progression Model
- Emotional support
- Practical guidance
- Help to identify support and safeguarding needs
- Referrals to local and specialist services
You can contact the Offender Release Helpline on 0800 168 9280.
Further information and online support are available on the Victim Support Offender Release Helpline website.
How Greater Manchester Victims’ Services can help
Greater Manchester Victims’ Services is here to help anyone in Greater Manchester who has been affected by crime. This includes people who are worried about changes to prison release arrangements.
As well as directing you to national support, Greater Manchester Victims’ Services can:
- Help you understand what local support may be available
- Talk through any concerns you have
- Help connect you with the right service for your needs
Useful contacts:
Greater Manchester Victims’ Services – Local information, advice and emotional support for people in Greater Manchester who are worried about changes to prison release arrangements.
Phone: 0800 876 6155
Email: GMVictims@catch-22.org.uk
Victim Support Offender Release Helpline – National information, emotional support and practical guidance for people affected by, or worried about, an offender’s release.
Phone: 0808 168 9280
Specialist support
Specialist support is available for people affected by:
- Domestic abuse
- Sexual violence
- Stalking
- Violence against women and girls
- Issues linked to being a male victim
- Issues affecting LGBT+ victims
- Issues affecting Black and minoritised victims and survivors
- Other specialist support needs
Greater Manchester Victims’ Services can help you access the right support at the right time.
What the helpline cannot do
Support services can provide general information and support, but they cannot give information about a specific offender.
This includes:
- Whether an offender is being released
- Release dates
- Licence conditions
- Offender management arrangements
If you have a Victim Liaison Officer, they remain the right person to speak to about your individual case.
If you feel at immediate risk, call 999.