PROFESSIONALS working with prisoners, ex-prisoners or those sentenced to community punishments in the North-East are being invited to enter an annual awards.

The awards for helping people resettle in the community and rebuild their lives are given annually by Nepacs, the North-East charity that works to support positive futures for prisoners and their families.

Andrew Selous, Minister for Prisons, Probation and Rehabilitation will present this year’s awards at an event taking place in September at Lumley Castle, in Chester-le-Street.

Helen Attewell, chief executive of Nepacs, said: “Many of the people held in our prisons, or who are supervised in the community, have experienced multiple problems in their lives.

“Many have addictions, have experienced homelessness, suffer poor mental health, or have themselves been victims of violent or sexual crime.

“The transition from custody to community is a crucial point at which prisoners can forge a new crime free life.

“Often they are released with only a £46 discharge grant to their name, and need all the additional help and support they can get to prepare for release and to cope with life on the outside.

“The Nepacs awards are our way of honouring the dedicated professionals working across the north east to make the difference to the safety of our society through reducing the risk of reoffending.”

For details on how to make a nomination before the deadline of June 27, visit the Nepacs website www.nepacs.co.uk