Sentencing Act 2026 - Accessing Support
If you have been affected by these changes or are worried about the release of offenders, local services are available to support you. Find out how to access support below.
Victim Support’s dedicated Offender Release Helpline provides information, emotional and practical support, and help to access other services for people affected by, or worried about, the release of an offender.
The Helpline is there to:
- Listen to victims and survivors’ concerns and offer emotional support
- Discuss wellbeing, safety and possible next steps
- Provide practical guidance and help callers understand what the changes may mean
- Explain how someone may be able to seek further information, the Helpline cannot provide information about individual offenders or case specific release dates.
- Help people access ongoing or specialist support where appropriate
You can contact the Helpline on 0808 168 9280.
Further information about the Helpline and the support available can be found at https://victimsupport.org.uk/offender-release-helpline.
HelplineSentencing Act 2026 - Specialist Support available in South Wales
With support from funding by the Ministry of Justice, the South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner has commissioned a single point of contact locally across South Wales, in the form of a Multi-Crime Early Release Scheme (ERS) Victims’ Champion.
Our specialist Victims’ Champion will work alongside victim and survivors affected by changes early release scheme, helping them to feel safe, informed and supported.
The Multi-Crime Early Release Victims Champion will provide:
- Advocacy and liaison with police, probation, courts and other agencies to help gather information and ensure your voice is heard.
- Individual needs assessments to identify support requirements and develop appropriate safety and support plans.
- Practical support and signposting, including assistance with housing issues, education concerns, and protective orders.
- Coordination with support services and partner agencies to ensure you receive joined-up support and access to the help available locally.
To access support from the Multi-Crime Early Release Champion, you can contact South Wales Victim Focus on 0300 303 0161.
Alternatively, you can self-refer via the website Victim/Witness Referral – South Wales Victim Focus
SupportVictims Directory
This page provides information and support for victims and witnesses following a crime.
Victims DirectoryDASPA (Drug & Alcohol Single Point of Access – Cwm Taf Morgannwg)
Rhondda Cynon Taf, Bridgend & Merthyr Tydfil/WalesDASPA is the single point of contact for people across Cwm Taf Morgannwg (Rhondda Cynon Taff, Merthyr Tydfil and Bridgend) affected by drugs and alcohol.
Disability Wales
Cardiff/United KingdomDisability Wales (DW) is the national association of Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs) striving to achieve rights, equality and independent living of disabled people in Wales. DW promotes the adoption and implementation of the Social Model of Disability, which identifies that it is environmental, organisational, and attitudinal barriers that disable people and prevent their full participation in society not their medical conditions or impairments.
Dyn Safer Wales
WalesWorking across Wales to support men who experience domestic abuse. The Dyn Project provides support to heterosexual, gay, bisexual and trans men who are experiencing abuse from a partner. They provide confidential support and help for men affected by domestic abuse to find the best available services in their local area. This includes safety planning, signposting to services across Wales, advice and emotional support.
EYST
Swansea/United KingdomEthnic Minorities & Youth Support Team was set up in 2005 by a group of ethnic minority young people in Swansea.
It aimed to fill a gap in provision for young BME people aged 11-25 by providing a targeted, culturally sensitive and holistic support service to meet their needs.
Galop
National LGBT Domestic Violence Helpline
Gypsy Traveller Wales
Cardiff/United KingdomThe organisation supports and enables Gypsies and Travellers across Wales to achieve a high quality and equitable standard of life.
Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) You Have a Voice
The IOPC have launched a campaign – ‘You have a voice’ - aiming to raise awareness of the complaints system and help build trust and confidence among women or girl victims and survivors, and those who support them.
If you require text relay services to communicate, please call 18001 020 8104 1220. You will need the Relay UK app installed on your phone or computer to use this service.
For access to services in British Sign Language, contact their enquiries team below for further details.
Information Commissioner’s Office
Cheshire/UKThe ICO website provides the public with practical information and advice relating to their data protection and information rights pursuant to the Data Protection Act 2018, the UK GDPR and the Freedom of Information Act 2000
Karma Nirvana
Honour Abuse UK Helpline
Live Fear Free
Helpline for sexual violence and domestic abuse victims in Wales.
Men’s Advice Line
A helpline for male victims of domestic abuse. They offer non-judgemental emotional support, practical advice and information.
NAPAC (National Association for People Abused in Childhood)
NAPAC (the National Association for People Abused in Childhood) offers support to adult survivors of all types of childhood abuse, including physical, sexual, emotional abuse or neglect. NAPAC provides the only free national support service for adult survivors of all types of childhood abuse. They offer specialist, confidential support to all adult survivors of any type of abuse, operated by experienced staff and trained volunteers.
Please note these organisations are distinct from emergency services, they provide specialised assistance and resources for various needs, offering additional avenues of support beyond immediate response.
In emergencies, call 999.
For non-emergencies, dial 101.