Name of Client: Client K
Index Offence: Section 18 Wounding with Intent.
Background
Client K was serving an IPP sentence following convictions for grievous bodily harm. Alcohol had played a significant role throughout his offending history, having become a coping mechanism from his teenage years. By the time New Connections became involved, Client K had spent around 15 years in custody and had experienced multiple parole reviews without success.
Although he was not yet within his parole window when first referred to New Connections in 2022, we accepted the referral from a solicitor we work closely with so that support could begin well in advance of his hearing.
Preparing for Release
Early intervention allowed New Connections to begin planning long before Client K’s parole hearing.
We established contact with his Community Offender Manager, explained the support available, and began developing a detailed understanding of Client K’s substance use history, offending behaviour and recovery journey. Through a series of face-to-face meetings and a video session, we explored the factors contributing to his offending, his previous recall to custody, and, most importantly, his motivation to maintain long-term recovery.
Recognising that stable accommodation would be essential to reducing the risk of relapse and reoffending, we identified suitable move-on accommodation with Hope into Action, ensuring appropriate housing options were available should parole be granted.
Parole Support
New Connections prepared a specialist report for Client K’s parole hearing and attended the hearing as an expert witness.
Our experience has consistently shown that attending hearings in person enables us to explain a client’s recovery journey, answer questions from the panel and provide greater reassurance about the support available in the community.
Client K’s parole hearing was successful, and the panel directed his release.
Community Reintegration
Following release, New Connections continued to provide intensive support during what is often the highest-risk period for individuals leaving custody.
Working closely with probation, Approved Premises staff and other partner agencies, we coordinated support to ensure everyone involved shared the same goals and understanding of Client K’s needs.
Alongside regular contact with Client K, we helped him to:
- secure longer-term accommodation;
- access mentoring and ongoing recovery support;
- navigate housing assessments and applications;
- manage the stress and uncertainty associated with finding permanent accommodation;
- source essential household items when he moved into his own tenancy; and
- apply for charitable funding to help him establish his new home.
When delays outside of Client K ‘s control created uncertainty around housing, New Connections increased contact and provided reassurance throughout the process, helping him remain focused on his recovery rather than becoming overwhelmed by the situation.
As Client K became more settled, our role gradually shifted from intensive support to regular check-ins, encouraging independence while remaining available whenever support was needed.
Outcomes
Since his release, Client K has maintained abstinence from both drugs and alcohol while continuing to engage with his prescribed treatment.
He has developed a stable routine centred around positive activities, including restoring motorbikes and fishing, rebuilt relationships with his family, successfully passed his driving test, and secured independent accommodation.
With the end of his IPP licence approaching, Client K described looking forward to living without the uncertainty that had shaped much of his adult life. He plans to visit family in Scotland and continue building a positive future.
Perhaps most significantly, Client K has expressed a strong interest in becoming a mentor with New Connections, using his own experiences to support others facing similar challenges.
The Difference New Connections Made
Client K ‘s progress demonstrates the value of specialist through-the-gate support. Our involvement began well before his release and continued throughout the critical transition into the community. By working collaboratively with probation, accommodation providers and other agencies, New Connections helped ensure that Client K left prison with a realistic plan, practical support and the confidence to sustain his recovery.
Today, Client K is living independently, remains abstinent, has rebuilt important family relationships and is looking towards a future where he can give back by supporting others. His journey highlights how consistent, personalised support can help people serving long and complex sentences build stable, meaningful lives in the community.
License Termination
Following ongoing support and advocacy from New Connections, Client K’s IPP licence has now been formally terminated. This marks a significant milestone in his journey and brings an end to the licence conditions and associated supervision requirements that had remained in place following his release from custody.
