Almost £8,000 of the Police and Crime Commissioner's community funding has gone to a Cherwell reoffending prevention scheme.

Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Barber, awarded the funding to Citizens Advice Cherwell and West Northants for a scheme aimed at reducing reoffending rates among recently released prisoners.

It will provide advice drop-in sessions to prisoners at Bullingdon Prison, targeting those planning to settle in the Cherwell area after their release.

Mr Barber said: "Over half of the people released from prison in the Thames Valley reoffend within 12 months which is why initiatives like these are so important.

"I am pleased to have supported the pilot with a £7960 grant from my Community Fund and I look forward to keeping in touch with Pat and the team to see its outcomes."

Alongside individual prisoner support, the project also extends help to their families to ensure everyone has access to the necessary support.

The service will provide advice on housing, benefits, and connecting with other resettlement services, ensuring financial and practical support is in place once an individual leaves prison.

Pat Coomber-Wood, CEO of Citizens Advice Cherwell and West Northants, said: "Through collaborative efforts like these, Citizens Advice extends a lifeline to those re-joining society after incarceration, as well as their families.

"This offers not just support, but hope and opportunity."

The scheme is a part of broader actions to improve reoffenders' access to support services and work opportunities in conjunction with RESTART programme.