PCC visits service offering substance treatment and support to prisoners released early

Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson visited Wiltshire’s drug and alcohol rehabilitation service Connect, which offers support to prisoners re-entering society following recent early releases as part of the SDS 40 scheme.

The service, which is led by Turning Point in partnership with Developing Health & Independence (DHI), Julian House and The Nelson Trust, is funded jointly by Wiltshire Council and an annual contribution of £105,995 from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC).

Connect offers treatment for anyone living with an alcohol or drug addiction, through 1-1 support, as well as out-reach provisions engaging with people in prisons, courts and police custody.

The organisation also works closely with individuals who are involved in substance use related crime, providing group work provision, access to medical interventions, inpatient detoxes and residential rehab, peer mentor support and more.

Mr. Wilkinson said: “It is vitally important my office works with partners such as local authorities to ensure services in Wiltshire have the money they need to provide the best possible support for people living with addictions, and specifically being released from prisons to get them back on the right path.

“Services like Connect are especially important when it comes to prisoners on early release as despite the national issues with prison capacity, the priority will always be keeping our communities, and those most vulnerable, safe.

“This is a prime example of a service that works to reduce reoffending and break the cycle of criminality by providing the appropriate treatment and development plans for re-entering society, which directly delivers priority four of my Police and Crime Plan.”

Alex Cattelona, Criminal Justice and Engagement & Prevention Manager at Connect started working for the charity after beating his own drug addiction using the service 15 years ago.

He said: “I’m very open around my background and the fact that I used to be a heavy drugs user years ago, as that has led me to where I am today.

“At Connect we believe that everybody has the capacity for change, and we will continue to utilise funding from the OPCC and Wiltshire Council to offer the best support for those in need.”

To find out more about Connect, please click here.