Interserve is set to roll out a new initiative across 18 prisons in the UK, aimed at supporting the rehabilitation of offenders.

The firm won a contract with the Ministry of Justice for the Integrated Through the Gate (ITTG) initiative.

Launched today, 01 April, the ITTG programme will see offenders receive direct support to learn new skills; address behavioural and drug misuse issues; improve health; and receive accommodation support and financial advice where necessary.

The initiative will be rolled out in the 18 prisons covered by the company's five Community Rehabilitation Companies (CRCs).

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Ian Mulholland, Managing Director, Public Sector for Interserve, said: "I am delighted Interserve is rolling out its ITTG service across 18 prisons.

"We believe our ITTG model represents the best way to use the funding provided by the Ministry of Justice to improve the service received by people preparing for release from custody and that Interserve will be delivering the best-in-class support.

"The service will not only extend through the gate but will also pick back up if the individual is unsuccessful and is returned to prison. This provides a continuity of service which gives people the maximum opportunity to succeed."

The government first launched Through the Gate services in 2015 for short-term sentenced prisoners preparing for release from custody, to help prevent them from re-offending. In 2018, the Ministry of Justice committed a further £22 million of funding to improve the service, a portion of which was allocated to Interserve allowing it to create the ITTG model.

(CM/JG)