I'm in or have just left Prison

I'm currently in prison

Are you currently in prison and are due to be released soon? Are you able to return to your home in Hastings or will you be homeless or at risk of homelessness when you are released? You can ask your prison or probation officer to make a Duty to Refer application to the Council for us to help you with your housing situation.

Please be aware that Duty to Refer applications can only be completed and submitted by a prison or probation officer.

When we receive your application, we will contact the officer named as the referee on your application. A Housing Options Officer will then be allocated to you and will work with you and your prison/probation officer to support you to find appropriate accommodation.

I have just left prison

You will need to complete our online Housing Options Assessment form, if you have just left prison and a Duty to Refer application has not been made on your behalf by your prison or probation officer.

Other advice and support agencies

There are a number of advice and support agencies that can help on or after your release from prison.

For information on what benefits you may be able to claim:

Housing Benefits and prison

Universal Credit and prison

Shelter provides advice for prisoners and ex-offenders.

National Probation Service is statutory criminal justice service that supervises high-risk offenders released into the community.

Kent, Surrey and Sussex Community Rehabilitation Company deliver a range of rehabilitation services to people who have been sentenced by a court to either custody or community supervision and who are classed as low to medium risk.

East Sussex Family support. Having a loved one in prison can be difficult, worrying and even frightening. It can be easy to feel overwhelmed. This page guides you towards services that can help you through this difficult time. The page is divided into problems commonly faced by families.

NACRO deliver social justice by positively changing lives, strengthening communities and preventing crime. It also provides housing information and advice.