September 09, 2026 - 228 views
Victims of crime across North Wales are being urged to seek support if they are worried about the impact of the UK Government’s early prisoner release scheme.
From 1 October, some prisoners will be released earlier than originally anticipated as part of measures to ease pressure on the prison system.
The changes could understandably cause anxiety and uncertainty for victims and their families, particularly those who have experienced trauma as a result of crime.
North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin is reminding victims that free, confidential support is available through the North Wales Victim Help Centre, a service commissioned by the PCC and delivered by independent charity Victim Support.
The PCC recently visited the Centre at North Wales Police’s Divisional Headquarters in St Asaph, where he met Operations Manager Linda Parry to discuss the support available.
The Victim Help Centre cannot provide information about individual prisoners or release dates, but its trained staff can offer emotional and practical support, discuss concerns about safety and wellbeing, and connect victims with specialist organisations and criminal justice agencies.
Andy Dunbobbin said that while decisions about early release were a matter for the UK Government, victims should not have to deal with their concerns alone.
He said supporting victims remained one of his highest priorities and encouraged anyone worried about the changes to contact the Victim Help Centre.
Linda Parry, North Wales Operations Manager at Victim Support, said staff understood how the impact of crime could affect people's lives and were available to provide specialist support, information and advocacy.
She said: “We know that many victims will currently be feeling anxious and uncertain about what is happening with prisoner release.”
While the Centre cannot provide specific case information or release dates, she said staff could listen to concerns, discuss wellbeing and help people consider their personal safety.
The Victim Help Centre works with probation services, specialist support organisations, housing providers and other criminal justice agencies to provide support based on individual circumstances.
Support can also be reviewed and adapted if circumstances change, and people who have previously used the service are being encouraged to get back in touch if they feel they need further help.
The service is also available to victims living in rural and isolated communities across North Wales.
The Ministry of Justice is expected to establish a dedicated helpline in the coming weeks offering emotional support and practical advice to people affected by, or concerned about, the early release programme.
In the meantime, anyone affected by crime who has concerns about the changes, or simply wants to discuss the support available, can contact the North Wales Victim Help Centre on 0300 30 30 159.
