Directions is a male-only service delivered across North Yorkshire, providing tailored support to men engaged with Probation to improve wellbeing, support resettlement, and reduce reoffending.

The HMPPS Personal Wellbeing Service was commissioned by the Ministry of Justice and launched in July 2021, with the remit to support men engaged with the National Probation Service within North Yorkshire. Directions is delivered by Inspire North in partnership with St Giles Trust Partnership (SGT).

Directions supports men engaged with Probation, including those leaving custody and in the community, to improve wellbeing, reconnect with their community, and reduce the risk of reoffending.

Navigators are based in Craven, Harrogate, Northallerton, York and Scarborough. Our usual working hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Programme of support:

Directions uses a restorative approach, with inclusivity, empowerment, choice and collaboration at its core.

We offer bespoke one-to-one interventions, providing holistic support tailored to the individual’s needs. Directions is available to men engaged with Probation, including those leaving custody and serving community sentences.

Our Wellbeing Navigators work collaboratively with each client to co-produce a personalised plan of support. This is typically delivered through regular one-to-one sessions, either face-to-face where possible or via phone, alongside signposting and referrals to external services where appropriate.

North Yorkshire Probation refer men to the service for low, medium, or high complexity support across the following pathways:

• Emotional Wellbeing
• Family and Significant Others
• Lifestyle and Associates
• Social Inclusion

At the point of referral, one or more pathways are identified alongside a complexity level (low, medium, or high), which determines the level of support and number of sessions provided.

Pop-up hubs:

Directions delivery is tailored to meet the needs of men engaging with the Probation Service, with local venues established as required to improve accessibility.

Peer advisory opportunity:

Once all sessions have been successfully completed, clients have the opportunity to volunteer with the Directions Service as Peer Advisor. This allows males to use their lived experience as a valuable tool to mentor others.

How to access the service:

Referrals are made via the National Probation Service.