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   ;)  Manchester offender service receives top accolade
A Manchester offender liaison service, run by Greater Manchester West Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, has won Greater Manchester Probation Trust’s (GMPT) annual award. The winners of the ‘10th Annual Probation Stars Awards’, set up to recognise and reward the commitment, hard work and professionalism of probation staff, were announced last week (22 June 2010) at a ceremony held at Stalybridge Civic Centre. Probation staff were asked to nominate one of the Probation Trust’s partners who have excelled in helping ensure the protection of the public and reducing re-offending. Against stiff competition from a range of organisations including police teams, charities and local associations, Manchester Offenders Diversion Engagement Liaison (MO:DEL) service won the working in partnership award. The judging panel praised MO:DEL as an outstanding example of a service that works successfully with probation, courts and prisons. They were recognised for their work with mentally-ill offenders, which has impacted on offenders receiving the appropriate treatment, improved their access to health and social care services and reduced re-offending rates in Manchester. The award for working in partnership is open to all eligible individuals who have gone the extra mile to deliver offender management services, in partnership with one or more agencies. Matt Paterson, Consultant Nurse and Clinical Lead for Manchester Offenders Diversion Engagement Liaison service, said: “The Greater Manchester Probation Trust is one of the highest performing probation services in the country, so I am honoured that they have recognised the hard work and outstanding service that the MO:DEL team delivers.” Cath Moran, Director of Operations and Nursing for Greater Manchester West Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, said “The people who MO:DEL work with often have significant offending histories, experience problems of homelessness, substance abuse and haven’t had access to mainstream healthcare services such as GPs. The service’s work is vital – without it the most vulnerable have nowhere to go and no one to address the underlying mental health issues of those involved in criminal behaviour.” Greater Manchester Probation Trust’s Chief Executive, John Crawforth, praised MO:DEL for the work it carries out with mental health offenders and services. He said: “The innovative, multi-agency team engages with those 16 years and over who have a possible diagnosis of mental illness and who are involved in the Criminal Justice System. “They work with individuals for six months to get them access to statutory services. In one year the team has dealt with over 590 clients, coming from courts, probation and police. “The service’s efforts to engage with individuals at the earliest opportunity means there is a reduction in offending and a reduction in the likelihood that their clients will need expensive in-patient treatment.” He added: “From the commissioning of the service, to the day-to-day engagement with clients, the team has worked positively with those individuals who so often fall through the net. Our congratulations and appreciation goes to MO:DEL.” Photo: For details click on the thumbnail Due to problems with spam only SalfordOnline members can now leave comments. Becoming a member of SalfordOnline only takes a minute, just hit the red Join Us button at the top right hand side of the page to create your Personal account. Got a news story? Need help with publicity for an event in Salford? Send it to newsdesk@salfordonline.com or call the SalfordOnline newsdesk on 0161 789 5377. |
