Wrexham MP welcomes mental health funding to tackle repeat offending

Wrexham’s MP has welcomed the announcement of mental health funding to tackle repeat offending

Around 700 offenders in Wales will be asked to attend mental treatment when they are handed a community sentence by the courts.

The £1.1 million initiative, funded by the UK Government, is part of an effort to reduce the £18 billion cost of reoffending to taxpayers.

Wrexham’s Member of Parliament, Sarah Atherton MP, has welcomed the initiative – run by G4S with Forensic Psychology Consultancy.

It will see offenders assessed by mental health practitioners before sentencing – helping to determine what help is needed – and reduce the time it takes for them to start treatment.

According to the Ministry of Justice the funding will support more offenders to access the treatment they need as part of a tough and effective community sentence that tackles the root causes of their offending.

Ms Atherton sits on HMP Berwyn’s Employment Advisory Board, which focuses on the rehabilitation of offenders.

The board brings together prison leaders, local businesses, and stakeholders to find and provide those in HMP Berwyn with employment opportunities, to reduce reoffending.

Sarah Atherton MP commented: “This £1.1 million UK Government scheme isn’t just about tackling crime; it’s about tackling its root causes.

“By prioritising mental health, this scheme is not only speeding up treatment for offenders but most importantly, safeguarding our communities.”

Regional Probation Director for Wales, Nic Davies, said: “This investment is a significant boost for mental health support in Wales and will make it easier for the Probation Service to supervise offenders through their sentence and become a law-abiding member of society.”

The new service follows a successful pilot in Swansea which has been running since August 2021.

The pilot found that 80 per cent of offenders who took part in this type of community order experienced a significant benefit to their mental health.