Established in 1966 from the previous National Association of Discharged Prisoners’ Aid Societies, it became the largest criminal justice-related charity in England and Wales.
[1] Since 2011, its strategy has focused on extending its high-level influence at government level, with commissioners, policy makers and practitioners, and increasing its partnership work.
Its services have expanded from criminal justice to include housing, education for young people and adults, support and advice, and campaigning for political changes in society.
Commissioned by the Ministry of Justice, BASS gives people who are eligible to be released from prison or bailed from court somewhere stable to live and the support they need to move on to an independent, crime-free future.
Totton College[2] also provide various apprenticeship programmes across Southampton, using their facilities for teaching practical lessons in hair and beauty, photography, music and more.
Its largest contract is in Wolverhampton, where it runs Recovery Near You, a consolidated and integrated drug and alcohol treatment service for young people and adults.
A joint letter was sent to the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, and the Secretary of State for Justice, Robert Buckland, about accommodation for prison leavers and the Comprehensive Spending Review.