How we help Approved Premises Approved Premises Some people who leave prison having served their sentence can still be considered to be a risk of harm to the public. Often these people spend time, up to three months, living at Approved Premises after their release. These premises are run by the National Probation Service. There is a national shortage of places available, so people are often sent to approved premises that are far away from their homes and families, isolating them from positive influences and opportunities to find meaningful employment. Due to their status as high risk to the public, they are also less likely to receive support from other voluntary agencies while living in the premises and may struggle to access support in the immediate community. Loneliness increases, making it harder to improve personal circumstances. Staff and volunteers from The Footprints Project are working with five approved premises in Dorset and Hampshire. We help people prepare their CVs, create job searches, and apply for courses. Some of the people we’ve helped have learned woodworking and carpentry. Others have earned food hygiene certificates, allowing them to apply for jobs. Others have built and cultivated allotment gardens, growing produce for their own premises. "I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to start working together and Amy has been amazing. The project is beginning to pick up momentum and the residents appear to be engaged in the process. A couple of the residents have secured employment recently or have secured a work trial which is positive." George, Approved Premises manager. Manage Cookie Preferences