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A Revolving Doors Agency rehabilitative scheme has reduced reconviction rates among people caught up in the criminal justice system with mental health problems by 22 per cent, and reduced the seriousness of the offences committed, according to an independent home office evaluation, writes Clare Jerrom.

The 'link worker' scheme aims to provide support to individuals with mental health problems who have been in contact with the criminal justice system, and put this group in touch with mainstream services where appropriate.

“Poor housing, unemployment, substance misuse, mental illness and problems with relationships are among the chief causes of re-offending by ex-prisoners,” warns a report about findings from the scheme published this week.

It highlights that 99 per cent of people referred to Revolving Doors, which specialises in working with offenders with mental health problems, were unemployed and 23 per cent were sleeping rough, resulting in a higher risk of re-offending.

“In spite of these great needs, 93 per cent of these clients were not in contact with any services at all when they were referred to us,” the report said.

The report calls for more accommodation for people with multiple needs who have a criminal record as “while housing does not guarantee that someone will never re-offend, it does reduce the probability”.

The agency also urges an increase in the amount of treatment available to vulnerable prisoners who are being released into the community having completed a drug detox, with a simplification of the benefits system as it currently prevents vulnerable people from making successful claims.

Prisons minister Paul Goggins, who is due to attend the launch of the report, said its findings echo the social exclusion unit’s report last year, which is now feeding into a programme of work across all government departments.

'Snakes and Ladders' from 020 7253 4038

www.revolving-doors.co.uk