Support for Prison Leavers

The first hours after release are the most critical. It's normal to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or even afraid. These are the most urgent steps to take today — before anything else.

1. Collect your discharge grant and belongings Important

   You should receive a discharge grant on release (currently £76 if sentenced). Check that all your belongings have been returned. If anything is missing or incorrect, speak to gate staff before you leave the grounds.

2. Report to your probation officer — today if you're on licence Important

   If you're on licence, you must report to your probation officer on your day of release. Missing this appointment can result in immediate recall to prison. Your probation officer is also there to support you — let them know if you have nowhere to stay or need urgent help.

   About probation services (opens in new tab)
3. Sort somewhere safe to sleep tonight Important

   If you have no fixed address, contact the local council housing team or a hostel as soon as you leave. In Wolverhampton, The Good Shepherd provides a day centre and can help connect you with accommodation. Don't wait until evening — the earlier you reach out, the more options are available.

   The Good Shepherd Wolverhampton (opens in new tab)
4. Get something to eat and drink

   It sounds simple, but your physical wellbeing matters right now. Many local organisations offer free hot meals and food parcels — no referral needed. Taking care of your basic needs helps you think clearly for what comes next.

Stable housing is the foundation of successful resettlement. You have rights, and support is available regardless of your criminal record. Don't give up if the first door closes — keep asking.

1. Apply to your local council as homeless

   If you have no accommodation on release, you can apply to the council as homeless. They have a legal duty to assess your situation. Bring your ID and any housing-related documents — but don't let missing documents stop you from applying. In Wolverhampton, contact the Housing Options team.

   Wolverhampton housing options (opens in new tab)
2. Explore approved premises and supported housing

   Approved premises (probation hostels) provide temporary housing with on-site support for people recently released from prison. Your probation officer can arrange a referral. Supported housing schemes also offer a stepping stone to independent living — ask local organisations what's available.

3. Get independent housing advice from Shelter

   Shelter provides free, expert housing advice and can help you challenge decisions, understand your rights, and find alternatives if the council tries to turn you away. Their helpline is open 7 days a week.

   Shelter housing helpline (opens in new tab)
4. Know your tenancy rights

   Once you have accommodation, you have legal rights as a tenant. A landlord cannot evict you without following a proper legal process. If you're at risk of losing your housing, contact a local law centre or Citizens Advice immediately — don't wait.

   Citizens Advice housing help (opens in new tab)

You may be entitled to financial support from your first day out. Some benefits have time limits so it's important to apply quickly. Don't let the paperwork put you off — support is available to help you through it.

1. Claim Universal Credit immediately — day one Important

   Apply for Universal Credit online as soon as you're released. There is a mandatory 5-week wait before your first payment, so applying on day one is critical. If you cannot access a computer, your local Jobcentre Plus can assist you in making the claim.

   Claim Universal Credit (opens in new tab)
2. Open a bank account

   You need a bank account to receive benefits and wages. Many banks offer basic accounts with no credit checks. Monzo, Starling, and the Post Office Card Account are options that don't require a permanent address. Some local organisations can write a letter of support to help you open an account.

3. Retrieve or apply for your National Insurance number

   You need a National Insurance number for employment and benefits. If you don't know yours, contact HMRC on 0300 200 3500. If you've never had one, you can apply through Jobcentre Plus.

   Find your NI number (opens in new tab)
4. Get help with debt

   Many people leave prison with outstanding fines or debt. StepChange and Citizens Advice provide free, confidential debt advice and can help you set up manageable payment plans. Don't ignore debt — it's always better to deal with it than let it grow.

   Free debt advice — StepChange (opens in new tab)

Your health matters — physically and mentally. Many people leave prison with health needs that were unmet or newly discovered. Getting registered with a GP is one of the most important things you can do in your first week.

1. Register with a GP — you can use any address

   You have the right to register with any GP surgery, even if you have no fixed address. Tell the surgery you are homeless or of no fixed abode — they cannot refuse you. Your probation hostel or supported accommodation address also works. Registration is free.

   How to register with a GP (opens in new tab)
2. Collect ongoing medication on release Important

   If you were on prescribed medication in prison, make sure you have a supply for the first few days. The prison should provide a short supply and a letter for your new GP. Register with a GP quickly to get a repeat prescription — stopping medication suddenly can be dangerous.

3. Find free support for mental health

   Anxiety, depression, and trauma are common after a prison sentence — for you and for your family. Rethink Mental Illness, Mind, and local talking therapy services (IAPT) offer free, confidential help. You deserve support, not judgement.

   Rethink Mental Illness support (opens in new tab)
4. Access drug or alcohol support if you need it

   Substance misuse services in the West Midlands are free and confidential. SUIT Recovery in Wolverhampton supports people in recovery — you can self-refer. Recovery Near You also offers community-based support. There is no shame in asking for help with this.

   Recovery Near You (opens in new tab)

Employment is one of the strongest protective factors against reoffending — but finding work with a criminal record takes preparation. You don't need to have everything sorted before you start looking. Help is here.

1. Register with your local Jobcentre Plus

   Jobcentre Plus can help you access Universal Credit, find work, and connect you with training programmes. Ask about the Restart Scheme and Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) — both are free and open to people with convictions.

   Find your local Jobcentre Plus (opens in new tab)
2. Get free CV and job application support

   Local organisations offer free CV writing, interview coaching, and job application support for people leaving prison. The Princes Trust and Nacro both run specific programmes. Don't try to navigate this alone — these services exist for people in exactly your situation.

   Nacro employment support (opens in new tab)
3. Understand what you need to disclose to employers

   The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act means that most convictions become 'spent' after a set period — you don't have to disclose them. Only certain jobs (working with children, healthcare, law enforcement) require full disclosure. A legal advisor or Unlock can help you understand your rights and how to present your history confidently.

   Unlock — criminal records advice (opens in new tab)

Who you spend time with and how connected you feel to your community has a huge impact on long-term wellbeing. This isn't just about avoiding trouble — it's about building a life that feels worth living.

1. Rebuild family and community relationships at your own pace

   Family relationships can be complicated after time inside. Take it gently and at a pace that works for everyone. Family support organisations and prison family services (like Pact) offer mediation and support for rebuilding those connections.

   Pact — prison advice and care trust (opens in new tab)
2. Find peer support from people who've been there

   Sometimes the most powerful support comes from people who truly understand what you've been through. Many local organisations have peer mentors — people with lived experience of the criminal justice system who volunteer their time to help others through the transition.

3. Stay away from people and places that put you at risk

   This is easier said than done, especially if old networks are in the same area. If you feel at risk of getting drawn back into harmful situations, tell your probation officer or support worker. They're not there to judge you — they genuinely want to help you succeed.