Council and Probation Service Link-up

Erewash Borough Council has joined forces with the Probation Service to give vital help to those who find themselves in need of housing support.

The Council’s Housing Options Officer Jonathan Leigh visits Ilkeston Probation Office every other Friday between 2pm and 4pm to provide a drop-in advice service on a wide range of issues – with his next session taking place on Friday 1st August.

The drop-in surgery gives, in particular, help to those Probation clients who find themselves released from prison with no secure accommodation in place. Useful information and advice on various housing options – including supported hostel places, social housing or private rented accommodation – is given, with or without their Probation Officer present.

But the fortnightly session is also an opportunity for Probation Officers to find out more about the housing services offered by Erewash Borough Council, which may help them when dealing with their clients.

Sue Blakeley, Erewash Borough Council’s Director of Development and Regulatory Services, said: “This is proving to be a very useful link-up with the Probation Service and is another example of the Council working in partnership for the benefit of the community – in this instance people who could find themselves with serious housing problems without the help and advice on offer.”

                                                                              ENDS