A LIFE-changing initiative, backed by Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion, is supporting more women than ever from entering the prison system.

The award-winning Willowdene Rehabilitation continues to lead the way in helping women across West Mercia who have experienced cycles of abuse, exploitation, offending, and substance misuse.

Through its Out of Court Resolution service and residential alternative to custody programmes, Willowdene is offering a powerful alternative to short-term custodial sentences - providing women with the support they need to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to their communities.

In 2014, 78 women in West Mercia received custodial sentences of less than six months.

Ten years later that number had dropped to just 35 - a reduction of more than 50 per cent.

Short prison sentences often fail to deliver meaningful rehabilitation, with many women released before accessing structured support or interventions.

In contrast, community-based resolutions - which hold individuals accountable while offering trauma-informed care - are proving to be more effective, more cost-efficient, and better aligned with long-term rehabilitation goals.

Matt Home, chief executive at Willowdene, said: “Our approach represents a commitment to breaking cycles of offending and offering women genuine opportunities for transformation.

“We believe that custody should not be the focus and by addressing the root causes of offending behaviour in a timely, supportive, therapeutic environment, we're helping women rebuild their lives and contribute positively to their communities."

Commissioner Mr Campion said: "This isn’t about removing accountability when crimes are committed. It’s about recognising that for many women - often facing lifelong trauma and caught in cycles of offending - meaningful, trauma-informed support will help them to take a different path.

“By working with communities and partners, as promised in my Safer Communities Plan, a more evidence-based approach can be applied to deliver better interventions that support all vulnerable people.”