Lancashire's Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw officially opened a new Safety Support Suite at HMP Lancaster Farms, helping prisoners prepare for life after release and reducing the risk of reoffending.

During the visit, the Commissioner met prison staff, partners and prisoners to see first-hand how the suite – funded through his Lancashire Violence Reduction Network (LVRN) – supports individuals as they approach release.

The facility helps users become familiar with the support services available to them, including housing, employment and wellbeing support.

The Commissioner also had the opportunity to experience the innovative Virtual Reality (VR) headsets, also funded by the LVRN.

Clive Grunshaw opening the new suite at Lancaster Farms.

placeholder image — Clive Grunshaw opening the new suite at Lancaster Farms.

Known as 'Terry's Vision', the project was developed following a collaborative workshop delivered by the LVRN in partnership with The Hope Collective and HM Prison and Probation Service.

The technology allows prisoners to practise everyday situations in a safe, immersive environment, helping them develop the life skills needed to successfully transition back into the community, reducing the risk of reoffending after release.

Following the visit, Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said: "Ensuring that prisoners receive the right type of support prior to their release is crucial in reducing the risk of reoffending. Providing the right support helps individuals reintegrate into society, access new opportunities and make positive choices.

"This is a great example of how partnership working can be used to develop practical resources and it's really encouraging to hear directly from people who have secured employment, housing and emotional support as a result.

"My Police and Crime Plan is clear that prevention must be at the heart of our approach to community safety.

"By investing in innovative projects such as Terry's Vision and listening to those with lived experience, we can tackle the root causes of offending, support rehabilitation and continue working towards a safer Lancashire for everyone."

Michelle Harrison, head of Safer Prisons and Equalities, said: "Creating safer prisons and safer communities starts with giving people the right support at the right time.

"The Safety Support Suite has been designed to provide a welcoming and neurodiverse-friendly environment where individuals can access support, develop practical life skills and prepare for life beyond custody.

"Together with Terry's Vision, it offers a unique opportunity to build confidence and create lasting change.

"Through strong partnerships and innovative interventions such as this, we can better support rehabilitation, reduce the likelihood of reoffending and help people build more positive futures.

"HMP Lancaster Farms is grateful for the continued support we receive from LVRN and we are looking forward to future collaborations."