Cheap Prison Calls:
Our Guide To Leaving Prison

Leaving prison can be both a time of relief and uncertainty. It marks the end of incarceration, but it also introduces challenges—finding housing, securing employment, managing finances, and reintegrating into society. This guide provides essential information for individuals preparing for release, as well as for those recently released, to help navigate the complexities of post-prison life.

Preparing for release

One of the biggest concerns for many individuals leaving prison is finding somewhere to live. In cities like London, where affordable housing is in short supply, this can be especially challenging. Fortunately, there are a number of support services and programs designed to help those in need of accommodation after release.

Your first step should be to make an appointment with your prison’s resettlement or housing department. If you’re serving 12 months or less, the Through the Gate service can help you plan your transition back into the community, including assistance with housing. Resettlement workers can also help with referrals to suitable accommodation, resolving rent arrears, and navigating housing benefits.

For those serving more than 12 months, probation officers are available to help you secure housing, especially if you’ve spent at least 12 consecutive months in custody.

If you are eligible for bail or a home detention curfew but lack suitable accommodation, Nacro’s BASS program may provide supported housing. BASS covers England and Wales, offering stable housing to low-risk prisoners who need accommodation in order to be released. This service can also help you secure long-term housing, employment, and support with health, money, and relationships.

In some cases, finding permanent accommodation immediately after release isn’t possible. You may need to rely on temporary solutions like hostels, night shelters, or bed-and-breakfast accommodations. Hostels often provide direct access housing, meaning you don’t need a referral from an agency.

There are also day centres that offer hot meals, showers, and practical support. They can assist in finding more permanent accommodation and direct you to local housing services.

Financial support upon release

Leaving prison can also present significant financial challenges. Fortunately, there are various forms of financial support available to help with the transition.

Discharge Grant
When you are released from prison, you will be provided with a discharge grant. This is a one-time payment to help cover your costs until you can sort out your benefits or secure employment. If you’ve been assigned accommodation by a prison housing adviser, you may also receive an additional payment, which will go directly to your accommodation provider.

Claiming Benefits
If you’re released without housing, your first priority should be to make a claim for Universal Credit. This benefit can help cover living costs while you’re looking for work or getting back on your feet. Your resettlement or housing adviser can help you start this process while still in prison.

For those with unresolved financial issues such as rent arrears, resettlement workers can assist in dealing with these before release. By addressing financial challenges early, you can avoid complications after you leave prison.

Training and employment

Securing employment is a critical step toward rebuilding your life after release. It provides not only financial stability but also a sense of purpose and a structured routine.

Many prisons offer vocational training and education programs to help inmates build skills that will be valuable in the job market. Taking part in these programs while incarcerated can make the job search easier post-release.

If you didn’t receive training while in prison, there are numerous organisations that can help. Nacro and St. Giles Trust, for example, provide employment support, training courses, and advice for those leaving prison. They can help you develop a CV, prepare for interviews, and find suitable job placements.

One of the challenges of securing employment after prison is disclosing your criminal record. It’s important to understand your rights and obligations regarding disclosure, as some convictions become “spent” after a certain period of time, meaning they do not need to be disclosed.

Unlock, a national charity, offers support for people with criminal records, including advice on when and how to disclose your record to potential employers.

Mental health and emotional support

Re-entering society can be overwhelming. Many individuals leaving prison experience anxiety, stress, and even depression as they face the challenges of reintegration. Seeking mental health support is essential, especially for those who may already struggle with mental health issues.

Support Services
There are many charities and organisations that offer support for individuals dealing with mental health issues. The Prison Reform Trust, Mind, and Samaritans are just a few organisations that provide mental health services specifically for those leaving prison. These groups offer counselling, support groups, and other mental health resources.

Family and Community Support
Family and community support can play a key role in helping you reintegrate into society. Maintaining close relationships with loved ones can provide a much-needed sense of stability and emotional security. However, it’s also common for relationships to become strained during or after a prison sentence. In these cases, seeking family counselling or mediation services can help repair relationships and build a strong support network.

Housing and accommodation

After leaving prison, securing housing can be one of the most difficult tasks. Understanding your legal rights is crucial to accessing housing support and avoiding homelessness.

If you are at risk of homelessness within 56 days of your release, your local council may have a legal duty to help you secure housing. However, it’s important to understand that this does not necessarily mean they will offer you accommodation. Each council assesses housing needs based on several factors, including whether you have a “local connection” to the area and if you are considered a priority need due to factors such as vulnerability from being in custody.

If you are a high-risk prisoner managed by a Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangement (MAPPA), you may be required to live in certain areas. These restrictions are designed to ensure public safety, but they can also limit your housing options. In such cases, it’s important to work closely with your probation officer to find suitable housing.

You may not necessarily have a “local connection” to the area where the prison is located, meaning that the council in that area may not have a legal obligation to house you. However, if you have no local connection elsewhere or are fleeing domestic violence, you can apply for housing assistance from any council.

Help with health and addication

Many people leaving prison have ongoing health issues, including addiction or substance misuse problems. Seeking help early can improve your chances of a successful transition.

Substance Abuse Support
If you have struggled with addiction during your sentence or previously, it’s essential to seek out support services immediately upon release. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) are widely available, offering peer support to individuals in recovery.

Healthcare Access
You will need to register with a GP as soon as possible after leaving prison to ensure that you can access regular healthcare. If you have ongoing medical issues or require medication, your resettlement worker or probation officer can help you make these arrangements before release.

Building a new life

Leaving prison can be both an exciting and daunting prospect. By accessing the support services available and planning carefully, you can give yourself the best chance of a successful transition.

Reconnect with supportive family members, friends, and community groups to build a stable network. Positive relationships can help you stay focused and motivated during the transition back to normal life.

Set realistic, achievable goals for your future. Whether it’s finding permanent housing, securing employment, or managing finances, breaking down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks can make the process feel less overwhelming.

Leaving prison is the beginning of a new chapter, but it requires careful planning and support. From securing housing and financial aid to finding employment and accessing mental health services, many resources are available to help you make a smooth transition. By taking proactive steps and reaching out for help where needed, you can start rebuilding your life on a positive path.