Shelter's prison housing advice service
This content applies to England only.
Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. Get advice relating to Scotland
Shelter’s specialist prison housing advice service offers information, advocacy and housing advice in prisons in Yorkshire and the North East.
Our prison advisers are based within prisons across these regions and offer face-to-face advice and support to prisoners at any point from arrival up to the day of discharge. The service is publicised widely within the prison, and through prison officers and prison peer advisers.
Prisoners can ask to see a Shelter prison adviser if they have any concerns about their housing, debt or related issues. Early contact with an adviser is encouraged – often prisoners don’t realise that there is action that can be taken to prevent problems building up over time. Having a prison adviser on site allows for easy contact, regular consultation and updates on progress - and prisoners are better placed to make informed decisions as a result.
Prisoners may benefit from advice on ways of keeping their existing home, whether it’s in their interest to give up a home or what to do if they are homeless on release. Shelter’s prison advisers can help with issues including:
- preserving existing accommodation
- housing benefit
- dealing with rent arrears
- housing rights and options
- homelessness and housing applications
- accessing accommodation on release.
Advisers will try to link prisoners with community-based agencies who will help to ensure that support is continued after release.
