Commissioner visits Preston project helping people break the cycle of offending

Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw visited a Preston-based project supporting people with complex needs to rebuild their lives and reduce reoffending, after providing £5k through his community fund.

The Commissioner met with the team delivering the ACE Project at Onward Lives, formerly Recycling Lives, toured the facility, and spoke directly with service users about how the programme is helping them make positive changes and move away from crime.

Delivered in Preston with a countywide reach, the ACE Project provides holistic, tailored support for ex-offenders and those at risk of offending. Through a combination of professional keyworker support and peer mentoring, the programme helps individuals address the underlying issues that contribute to criminal behaviour.

This includes support with accommodation, employment, mental health, substance misuse, and developing the life skills needed to build stable, independent lives.

The project, backed through the Commissioner’s Reducing Reoffending strand of his community fund, has demonstrated strong results, with significantly lower reoffending rates among participants compared to the wider average, highlighting the importance of targeted, early intervention and sustained support.

During the visit, the Commissioner heard first-hand how the programme is helping individuals overcome barriers, build confidence, and create safer, more positive futures.

Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said:

“It was powerful to meet people taking part in this programme and to hear directly how the support they are receiving is helping them turn their lives around.

“Projects like this play a vital role in tackling the root causes of offending, providing the practical support and guidance people need to make lasting change.

“By investing in initiatives that reduce reoffending, we are not only supporting individuals but also making our communities safer by preventing crime before it happens.

“This is what my community fund is all about, with investment helping to deliver real results that ultimately make Lancashire safer.”

The ACE Project works in partnership with organisations including probation services, housing providers, and policing teams to deliver a coordinated response to some of the most complex challenges within the criminal justice system.

Amy Jacques, Deputy Safeguarding Lead, Onward Lives, added:

“Without the community acknowledging and supporting the work we do, rehabilitation would occur in isolation and would not truly be rehabilitation.  Many individuals have successfully moved forward and now make positive contributions to the community.

We thank the Commissioner for his vision and proactive commitment to creating safer communities.  This funding is greatly welcomed and enables us to provide vital support needed to help break the cycle of reoffending and help people move onward, for good.”

The Commissioner’s Community Fund reinvests money recovered from criminals into local projects that prevent crime, reduce reoffending, and improve community safety across Lancashire. You can find out more and how to apply at https://www.lancashire-pcc.gov.uk/grant-funding/