In West Mercia there is one probation hostel (approved premises) based in Worcester. It provides 18 beds for males and generally runs at a high level of occupancy.

Offenders live in hostels for one of the following reasons:

• they have been ordered to do so by the courts as a condition of bail
• it is a requirement of a community sentence
• it is a condition of their release from prison

Residents must live by strictly enforced hostel rules, which includes a night time curfew. Hostels are staffed round the clock and residents are subject to continuous assessment.

Hostels are not simply an accommodation resource but provide a high level of supervision for residents in order to protect the public and encourage positive change.

For further information about approved premises please contact Mike Bentley, Hostel Manager, email:
mike.bentley@west-mercia.probation.gsi.gov.uk

		The National Association of Probation and Bail Hostels (NAPBH) The national organisation which aims to support and promote all probation and bail hostels approved by the Home Office. For further details please contact: Eunice Dunkley General Secretary NAPBH 2 New Walk Totnes Devon TQ9 5HA Tel: 01803 864 781 Fax: 01803 866 265