PROJECT REVIEW: PROBATION AND VICTIM SUPPORT CHARITY SHOP

In July 2005 the Probation Area and Victim Support, Leicestershire and Rutland, created a unique partnership that is now viewed as a successful blueprint, which can be replicated in other Probation Areas.

This is the first time that Victim Support and the Probation Service have jointly opened a shop that is staffed by the charity's workers and volunteers, and supported by selected offenders who undertake a variety of jobs.

The offenders' work includes collecting bags of donated clothes, preparing the garments for sale - and placing items on the racks on the shop floor. There is also the opportunity for men and women to deal directly with the public. Garden furniture made by the Unpaid Work unit is also on show.

Profits from the shop help fund services for victims of crime, including the remote witness video suite, which is based at one of the VS offices in Leicester.