Birmingham: The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Simon Foster, is urging victims and anyone affected by the UK Government’s expanded early release scheme to reach out for help and through a newly launched specialist support service.
The initiative follows the expansion of the government’s early release programme, which is scheduled to see around 5,000 prisoners freed across England and Wales. Under the scheme, roughly 1,350 offenders have already been released into communities since October 1, following an initial phase of 700 individuals and a second phase involving 650 more prisoners.
To ensure local victims are protected and informed, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has awarded the Commissioner £195,000 via the PCC Surge Fund to establish the West Midlands Offender Release Scheme Victim Support Advisor. Overseen and delivered by the independent charity Victim Support, this dedicated role ensures that West Midlands victims have a trusted, independent source of support to turn to as offenders are released early under the progression model.
While welcoming the service, the PCC has criticised the MoJ’s ‘inexcusable and unfair’ decision to use a flat-rate funding model across all police force areas. He warned that allocating identical amounts to areas regardless of population size and need means the West Midlands has been ‘ripped off and short-changed’, severely undermining support for local victims in a region facing higher levels of crime, demand and vulnerability.
The new service will, however, provide free, confidential emotional and practical support. The advisor will listen to victims’ concerns, build personalised safety plans and actively advocate on their behalf with the police, probation and other criminal justice agencies.
Crucially, the funding also includes assisting victims affected by the early release scheme to improve the safety of their homes, with the ability to pay for security measures – such as cameras being fitted – that would help keep the victim and their family safe.
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, said: “The government’s expanded early release scheme is causing understandable anxiety and concern for many victims across our communities, especially as the number of releases continues to grow.
“My top priority will always be the safety and wellbeing of victims. This £195,000 funding allows us to step in with robust, practical measures. Whether you need an independent advocate to champion your safety, or emergency funding to physically secure your home or help you move, we are here for you.
“It is essential that victims affected by the early prisoner release scheme are empowered, understood, informed and supported. This is what our specialist support service aims to ensure.”
Victims’ Advocate, Natalie Queiroz MBE, added: “For many survivors, the thought of an offender leaving prison early can feel terrifying and incredibly destabilising. This dedicated service is a vital lifeline. It gives victims an independent professional who is solely focused on their needs – listening without judgment, planning for their safety, helping put in those security measures and making sure their voices are heard by the authorities.
“If you are feeling overwhelmed or unsafe because of these changes, please make that call.”
Karen Holgate, Operations Manager at West Midlands Victim Support, said: “We are pleased to be delivering this new role for those affected by the government’s changes to prisoner release dates. Many will be experiencing renewed anxiety, fear and uncertainty after already having navigated a challenging criminal justice process.
“But Victim Support West Midlands’ new specialist advisor is here to provide much-needed support, advice and guidance, so victims don’t have to face this new challenge alone.”
How to Access Support
The service is completely confidential and independent of the police. If you or someone you know has been affected by the early release scheme, please contact Victim Support:
- Call the Offender Release Helpline: 0808 168 9280 (Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm)
- Online Support: Fill out the referral form or find more information at victimsupport.org.uk.
