Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Trust
Help in crisis
Help in crisis

Services

Criminal Justice Liaison Service

Gloucestershire

Also known as Gloucestershire Integrated Non-Custodial Care Services (IN-CS), The Criminal Justice Liaison Service (CJLS) provides interventions for persons from the age of 10, who find themselves within the criminal justice system, and are suspected of having health vulnerabilities such as mental health issues, a learning disability or substance misuse issues.

The Criminal Justice Liaison Service / Gloucestershire IN-CS brings together several support services for people involved in the criminal justice system, including:

  • Liaison and Diversion (L&D)
  • RECONNECT
  • Community Sentence Treatment Requirement (CSTR) Service
  • Youth Diversion Service
Liaison and Diversion

We support people with mental health needs, learning disabilities, or other vulnerabilities who are in contact with the criminal justice system. We can meet with you in:

  • police custody
  • court
  • voluntary police interviews
  • the community

Our team

Mental Health Practitioners: Registered nurses and social workers who assess your needs and help plan the right support.

Support Time Recovery Workers: Help you connect with long-term services and ongoing support. We can meet face-to-face, call, or text – whatever works best for you.

Support we offer

We can help with:

  • Setting up benefits
  • Drug and alcohol referrals
  • Engaging with your GP
  • Housing support
  • Debt advice
  • Referrals to community mental health teams

How to access the service

  • Professional referrals: Police, courts, solicitors, or other services
  • Self-referrals: You, your friends, or family can complete the online referral form
  • Questions? Call us on 0300 421 4812

We would really value your feedback. Please share your thoughts using our online feedback form.

RECONNECT

RECONNECT supports people aged 18+ with health needs or vulnerabilities who are leaving prison, including:

  • Those on remand
  • People released on temporary license
  • People leaving immigration removal centres

We offer support for up to 12 weeks after release.

 

How we help

We can support you with:

  • Registering with a GP or dentist
  • Accessing healthcare services
  • Connecting with community health teams
  • Organising and attending health appointments
  • Opening a bank account and sorting benefits
  • Linking with other support agencies

 

Referral information

  • When to refer: Up to 12 weeks before release or within 28 days after
  • Who can refer: Prison healthcare teams, probation practitioners, or other professionals
  • Self-referrals: You, your friends, or family can complete the online referral form
  • Questions? Call us on 0300 421 4812

We would really value your feedback. Please share your thoughts using our online feedback form.

Community Sentence Treatment Requirement (CSTR) Team

What does the service do? 

The Community Sentence Treatment Requirement (CSTR) Service delivers Mental Health Treatment Requirements (MHTRs). An MHTR is a psychological intervention that may be included as part of a community sentence. 

As part of the MHTR, people attend up to 12 one-to-one sessions with a mental health professional. These sessions help people manage and improve their mental wellbeing, with support focused on: 

  • Understanding how past experiences affect current mental health 
  • Emotional regulation 
  • Anxiety management 
  • Anger management 
  • Developing healthy coping strategies 
  • Mindfulness and breathing techniques 
  • Building assertiveness 
  • Managing sleep and mood 
  • Problem-solving skills 
  • Understanding the impact of trauma 

 

Eligibility criteria 

To be eligible for a Mental Health Treatment Requirement (MHTR), a person must: 

  • be aged 18 or over 
  • have a mental health condition that would benefit from psychological intervention 
  • consent to receiving treatment 
  • plead guilty or be found guilty of an offence that falls within the community sentence range 
  • be registered with a GP in Gloucestershire 

 

Benefits of an MHTR

An MHTR provides tailored psychological support and can help to: 

  • reduce the risk of reoffending 
  • develop alternative coping mechanisms 
  • gain insight into how past experiences impact mental health 
  • improve mental wellbeing

 

How to access the service

Once we receive a referral and confirm it meets our criteria, we will arrange an initial assessment. This is a chance to talk about your mental health needs and see if an MHTR could be the right option.

Our clinical lead will then decide whether to recommend an MHTR. If so, we will pass that recommendation to the court. The court will make the final decision about whether to include an MHTR in your sentence. 

 

Referrals can be made by:

  • GPs
  • Mental health professionals 
  • Court staff 
  • Criminal Justice Liaison Services (CJLS) 
  • Probation officers 
  • Self-referrals via the email address below  

For further information or enquiries, please contact us at: cstr.mhtr@ghc.nhs.uk  

Youth Diversion Service

Who we are

The Youth Diversion Service is provided by Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust. If you have had contact with the police, we are here to check in on your health and help you find the right support.

We work with young people aged 10 to 18.

What we do

We will chat with you about anything you might need help with and connect you to services that can support you. We can also give advice about the criminal justice system and talk to other services to make sure you are getting the right help.

We can support you with:

  • Mental health
  • Physical health
  • Education
  • Speech and communication
  • Jobs and training
  • General health and wellbeing
  • Sexual health
  • Drug and alcohol issues

 

Referral information

  • Professional referrals: Police, courts, solicitors, or other services
  • Self-referrals: You, your friends, or family can complete the online referral form
  • Questions? Call us on 0300 421 4812

Helpful links and other support

In an emergency

Mental Health Crisis NHS 111 – call 111 (select option 2)

Samaritans – call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org

Let’s Talk Well– call 01594 372777

Finance

Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire – provides confidential, free and impartial advice on debt, housing, benefits and employment issues.

 

The Gloucestershire Welfare Support Scheme provides practical support to eligible adults and families facing financial difficulties, including assistance for food, gas/electricity top-ups and household items, such as furniture and appliances.

 

Christians Against Poverty offers practical solutions regarding debt. It is a countywide service, and you do not need to be a Christian to apply.

 

Clean Slate is a money management and employment service supporting low-income households in the Stroud area.

Employment and education

Jobcentre Plus can assist you with claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance, incapacity benefit, employment and support allowance, and income support, as well find work.

 

Adult Education in Gloucestershire provides learning for individuals, employers and communities, including courses on English, Maths and IT.

 

Gloucestershire Employment and Skills Hub offers support with training, career advice, apprenticeships, CV writing etc.

 

Forest Read Easy Deal  (FRED) is for those adults and children in the Forest of Dean and surrounding areas who would like to improve their reading and early writing skills.

Housing

Caring for Communities and People (CCP) is a community-based support service which delivers short-term support to help people develop the skills needed to become self-reliant, resilient and live independently.

 

P3 charity offers a flexible service, working with people in crisis, and helping them with housing support.

 

Cheltenham Housing Aid Centre (CHAC) provides advice and assistance to people on matters relating to housing, benefits and money skills in the Cheltenham area.

 

Gloucestershire Nightstop offers emergency accommodation for young people aged 16-25 years.

Counselling services in Gloucestershire

Gloucestershire Counselling Service

 

Listening Post. Call us on:

 

Brendan’s Bridge – Counselling service working in Gloucester, Cheltenham and the Forest of Dean.

 

Cotswold Counselling – based in the Cotswolds but will see anyone from across the county.

 

Qwell is a free, safe and anonymous mental wellbeing support for adults across the UK.

 

Gloucestershire Support After Suicide Service offers support to those bereaved by suicide.

Addiction support

VIA offers non-judgmental support to help people reduce, control or stop their substance use.

 

Emerging Futures is a countywide aftercare support service for adults affected by drug and alcohol addiction. Coaches help people reconnect with their local communities and build recovery capital.

 

SMART Recovery is an addiction recovery charity  promoting a choice in recovery through a national network of mutual-aid meetings, online training programmes and manuals.

 

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). At AA, alcoholics help each other. We will support you. You are not alone. Together, we find strength and hope. You are one step away.

 

Narcotics Anonymous (NA). We are NA in the United Kingdom & Channel Islands. If you have a problem with drugs, we are recovering drug addicts who can help you get and stay clean.

 

Cocaine Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other so that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from their addiction.

 

Overeaters Anonymous (OA) is a community of people who support each other in order to recover from compulsive eating and food behaviors. We welcome everyone who feels they have a problem with food.

 

Sex Addicts Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share our experience, strength, and hope with each other for the purpose of finding freedom from addictive sexual behavior and helping others recover from sex addiction.

For women seeking support please contact:

Resources for Gloucester and the Forest of Dean

The Friendship Café provides community-based activities such as archery, woodworking and sewing classes.

 

The Cavern is a coffee shop and live music venue open 10am-11pm every day. It has a mental health drop-in for vulnerable and disadvantaged adults.

 

Gloucestershire Connect and Offload (CandO) is a helpline which supports adults living in Gloucestershire experiencing mild to moderate wellbeing difficulties, such as anxiety, low mood or depression, as well as self-harm. CandO also provides support and information to friends, family, carers and professionals.

 

Forest Voluntary Action Forum (FVAF) offers support to people living in the Forest of Dean, to help them get involved in community groups and activities.

 

Wye Dean Wellbeing is a community-interest company in the Forest of Dean which provides wellbeing services at a local level. Services include coaching, mindfulness, Reiki and confidence building.

Resources for Stroud and South Cotswolds

Creative Sustainability is a charity which aims to create inclusive, resilient communities that can support mental, emotional and physical health and wellbeing for all. It also comprises 3rd Space – a youth hub for people up to the age of 25.

 

Sunflowers Suicide Support provides support for those bereaved by suicide, from people who know the pain and trauma of losing a loved one to suicide.

 

The Churn Project is a community project in Cirencester which helps people find practical solutions to their problems. Services include job clubs, walking groups and one-to-one support for those who are isolated.

 

The Keepers is a community hub in Wotton-under-Edge which links people with activities and services in the surrounding area.

 

Working 4 Wellbeing is a community organisation based in Fairford and Lechlade which has been created to listen, support and connect people to local help and work towards preventing loneliness and isolation.

Resources for Cheltenham, North Cotswolds and Tewkesbury

Hester’s Way Neighbourhood Project is based at Hester’s Way and Springbank Community resource centres in Cheltenham. The project has various groups, including a job club, martial arts, and art classes.

 

The Isbourne Wellbeing Centre provides people with the tools to inspire healthier and more positive lives. Courses include lunchtime mediation, yoga, Tai Chi and ‘Writing for Wellbeing’.

 

Cheltenham Open Door is a safe space for people to come together to chat, play pool or just grab some food and warmth. Open Monday to Thursday, 10am-3pm, for free lunch.

 

Chipping Campden Support Hub is a directory of local services providing support in the area, including help with the cost-of-living crisis, health and wellbeing and groups for young people.

Resources for Gloucestershire County

Gloucestershire Health & Wellbeing College delivers educational courses which teach people the skills, techniques and knowledge to recover from long-term mental and physical health conditions.

 

Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS) is a county-wide service designed to reduce the level of domestic abuse and improve the safety of victims and their families.

 

Gloucestershire Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (GRASAC) provides confidential and non-judgemental support for all survivors of sexual violence.

 

Gloucestershire Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (GARAS) supports those seeking asylum in Gloucestershire.

 

Independence Trust is a countywide community and wellbeing service.

 

Guideposts Trust is a telephone coaching service for those with complex emotional needs.

Nationwide Resouces

Get Self Help provides free Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) self-help resources.

 

RESPECT – Mens Advice Line. A helpline to support men affected by domestic abuse..

 

The ManKind Initiative is the principal, expert and specialist charity in the UK focusing on male victims of domestic abuse. The charity collaborates and works in close partnership with other organisations and practitioners to support these victims too.

 

Mind offers mental health support through information, advice and signposting to local services.

 

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is a suicide-prevention charity which aims to help people end their misery, not their lives.

 

Rights of Women provides women with the legal advice and information they need to understand and use the law and their legal rights.

Apps

Stay Alive suicide prevention resource. www.stayalive.prevent-suicide.org.uk

 

distrACT is a self-care app designed to support individuals dealing with self-harm and suicidal thoughts.

 

Moodfit. The relationship between your thoughts, feelings and behaviours happening in the context of your nervous system. www.getmoodfit.com

 

Calm Harm is a free app that helps you manage or resist the urge to self-harm.

 

Smiling Mind is a free mindfulness app. www.smilingmind.com.au/smiling-mind-app

Skills and coping mechanisms

Simple body scan

Focus on the tension in each part of your body. As you breathe out imagine the tension leaving this part of your body.

 

Soothing rhythm breathing

Focus on your breathing, inhale slowly, allowing the air into your diaphragm. Notice your breathing – find a rhythm that is soothing and calming. Inhale for 3 seconds and exhale for 4 seconds. Gently bring your attention back if your mind wanders.

 

Mindful breathing

Imagine you have a balloon in your tummy. Each time you

breathe in the balloon inflates, and when you breathe out it deflates. Notice the sensations in your abdomen as the

balloon inflates and deflates.

 

STOPP

Stop

Take a breath

Observe

Pull back– perspective

Practice what works

 

NOW

Notice: Where my attention is

Observe: What I’m doing

Wise Mind: What now? How shall I continue?

 

Grounding:

5 things I can see

4 things I can hear

3 things I can touch

2 things I can smell

1 slow deep breath

Contact information

You can contact the Criminal Justice Liaison Team on 0300 421 4812 or write to:

Gloucestershire Criminal Justice Liaison Service
Montpellier Unit
Wotton Lawn Hospital
Gloucester
GL1 3WL

Self referral form

Locations for this service

Wotton Lawn Hospital