A NEW “one-stop shop” project to help those on probation from returning to a life of crime, has opened in Guildford.

The joint initiative is being helped by funding from the county police and crime commissioner, who has joined forces with the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Community Rehabilitation Company and several partner agencies.

The scheme is open to people currently subject to community or suspended sentence orders and licences.

They can access free advice, information and support from a range of local services all under one roof.

The one-stop shop is aimed at helping service users with issues such as accommodation, health, drug and alcohol use and employment.

It will be held at the Guildford Probation Office, in Park Street, once a month.

Among the agencies taking part are Voluntary Action South West Surrey, National Careers Service, Transform Housing, Catalyst (the Armed Forces charity), Job Centre Plus, Women’s Support Centre and Family Support Programme.

Last January, Surrey PCC David Munro created a new post within his office to focus on criminal justice and reducing re-offending, and £250,000 was earmarked from his community safety fund to finance initiatives to support those aims.

Mr Munro said: “Reducing re-offending in Surrey is a really important focus for my office so I was delighted to visit the new ‘One Stop Shop’ in Guildford to see it in action.

“This is exactly the kind of scheme that can support those who may have recently been through the criminal justice system and are trying to get their lives back on track.

“If it can help stop them drifting back into crime then the communities in which they live will also benefit.

“I was impressed with the enthusiasm and professionalism of those service providers I met who are really trying to make a difference and help some of those who have previously offended to make a fresh start.

“Often the needs of people on probation can be very complex so I hope giving users the access to a number of different services can help turn them away from committing crime.”