This service consists of comprehensive prison-based housing information, advice, advocacy and placement to increase the numbers of prisoners getting accommodation on release from prison.

The service, which supports the rehabilitation process by preventing homelessness and increasing access to housing and related support, is open to prisoners at HMP Garth and HMP Kirkham.

Housing advice is an integral part of the reducing re-offending strategy as the link between homelessness and re-offending is well established: Homeless ex-offenders are twice as likely to be reconvicted as those with stable accommodation. Ex-prisoners are also one fifth less likely to re-offend if they have stable accommodation.

SOVA staff are available on induction, during sentence and on release to intervene in protecting existing accommodation and preventing homelessness on discharge. Prisoners are also trained to be involved in the delivery of housing advice.