Five flats being built by One Small Thing for ex-inmates

Five self-contained flats are being built in Southampton by the charity One Small Thing, which strives to support women who enter the criminal justice system.

Hailed as the first scheme of its type, the flats will provide a safe and secure environment for female offenders and their children.

The pioneering project has secured a £380,000 loan from the Social and Sustainable Capital (SASC). It will cater for women who have nowhere safe to stay after leaving prison as well as defendants serving a community sentence - an alternative to jail.

Hampshire's Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones, has visited the site. Picture: One Small Thing.

One Small Thing says the scheme will enable women to live in a secure environment where they can receive the support they need.

Experts will help them address a wide range of issues that resulted in them committing crimes.

A spokesperson said: "Most women in prison have experienced trauma in their lives. Seven in ten have suffered domestic violence and over half have experienced emotional, physical or sexual abuse during childhood.

"Many experience unemployment or homelessness upon their release."

Claire Hubbertsey, One Small Thing's chief executive, added: "We are hugely grateful for the commitment of SASC to social justice and the support they are providing to us through the Community Investment Fund.

"Their vision and commitment will enable us to create a restorative environment that will enable women to thrive and access vital services."

The flats will be occupied by women rebuilding their lives after being released from prison. Picture: One Small Thing.

Figures show that more than 80 per cent of women sent to prison in England and Wales have committed a non-violent offence.

One Small Thing says: "After a short sentence of only a few weeks they are left with no family and no home and in a much worse situation compounded by the trauma of prison and with little support to assist them in rebuilding their lives.

"A gender-specific and community-based alternative is needed if we are to create a more effective, successful and supportive pathway for women."

Each tenant is expected to stay in the flats for about 13 months before moving on.

Donna Jones, Hampshire's Police and Crime Commissioner, has already visited the site. She met One Small Thing's founder, Lady Edwina Grosvenor.

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