Liam had been in custody for 3 years, and was diagnosed with complex mental health issues. He was suspected to have undiagnosed learning difficulties. Liam was referred to Belong’s restorative approaches service, as he was often manipulated by other prisoners.

As he neared his release, Belong’s Restorative Justice facilitator identified that Liam would need further support post-release. He had few family ties, was socially isolated, and would struggle to access community services post-release on his own.

Belong matched Liam with a mentor. On the day of his release, his mentor accompanied him across London to his probation appointment, to his approved premises, supported him through his induction, and helped to settled him into his room.

He engaged with high-levels of support for 4-months after his release. Liam and his mentor engaged in a variety of different supportive activities, such as accompanying him to appointments, and signposting to organisations who could support him in engaging in job readiness activities.
Liam’s mentor identified that he may be being exploited by older men in his area, potentially in a county lines operation. Belong raised a safeguarding concern, and Liam was supported to overcome his issues and provided with a space to reflect upon his social interactions.

Belong referred Liam for an autism referral, which allowed him to gain an understanding of why he felt socially isolated so often. The referral also helped him to receive specific support in order to develop skills and to meet other like-minded individuals to develop and sustain social networks.