Fareham MP Suella Braverman has paid tribute to a local probation hostel in the House of Commons. MPs gathered for a parliamentary debate on the privatised probation system, during which Mrs Braverman gave a special mention to Fareham-based Dickson House.
Dickson House was set up 30 years ago, originally as a Bail Hostel, but now works to enable former offenders who have committed mixed but serious offences to ease back into the community.
Staff and managers provide supervision for past offenders, helping them to adapt back into daily life through specific courses, socialisation and to find suitable accommodation – all with the intention of reducing their risk of re-offending and peacefully reintegrating back into society. It is one of over a hundred ‘Approved Premises’ in England and Wales, which provide over 2,000 bed spaces managed by either the National Probation Service or independent organisations.
Addressing MPs and ministers in the House of Commons, Suella Braverman spoke of the “vital service” that the Dickson House team provide in supporting former serious offenders and integrating them back into the community. Tributes were also paid to Dickson House by Rory Stewart, the Minister of State for Prisons, who was in agreement with the Fareham MP that such organisations were helping to improve reoffending rates.
Speaking after the parliamentary debate, Suella Braverman said:
“I was pleased to draw Parliament’s attention to the important work being done by everyone at Dickson House in order to keep our streets safer, and I welcome the tributes from the minister.
“Having previously visited Dickson House in Fareham, I was very impressed by the tireless work being done by the staff to ensure that former offenders are rehabilitated effectively and that rates or re-offending are kept as low as possible.”
