Eden House wins prestigious Confederation of European Probation international award.

This week the Confederation of European Probation (CEP) annual awards were held in Dubrovnik. The awards, which celebrate outstanding contribution to probation services, awarded Eden House, an Independent Approved Premises for females in the South West of England, winners of the Public Protection Award– an award for making a significant contribution to reducing risk of harm to potential victims.

Eden House opened in June 2021 and offers up to 26 female offenders, who may have very high risk of self-harm, a secure and structured environment. The specialist service is the first Independent Approved Premises to be opened in the UK for 33 years, it offers monitoring and support to protect the public by reducing the risk of reoffending and harm, while promoting rehabilitation and, wherever possible, helping residents reintegrate into their local community.

Staff work with the residents at Eden House using a trauma-informed approach and engage in tailored individual and group sessions and activities designed to build self-esteem. The specialist staff also support residents to reconnect with their families, overcome addiction, find work, and secure a permanent home, as well as enabling them to aspire to and achieve, a better life.

Eden House prides itself on the belief that it is never too late to live a life to be proud of. It offers a place of safety where residents are valued, respected, heard, and empowered to take their first steps in the right direction. In working to change residents’ behaviour, Eden House plays an integral part in protecting the public by working with residents to address the issues contributing to their offending behaviour and reducing the risk of further harmful behaviour.

Receiving the award on behalf of Interventions Alliance was Rowena Davies, Charmaine Smart, Manager and Deputy Manager at Eden House, Ellie McCarter, Head of Services, Professional Standards and Development and Suki Binning, Chief Social Worker/Seetec Group Operations Director.

Suki Binning, who as Executive Director of Interventions Alliance led the establishment of Eden House, said:

“We are so proud to be one of several approved premises across the country that are doing exceptional work to protect the public. We are especially proud of what we have achieved at Eden House in such a short space of time. From our research in relation to provision for female offenders, we could see clearly there was a need for this service. Our teams have worked tirelessly to create an approved premises with a difference, where residents feel at home and empowered to work with staff to make positive change, whilst ensuring that public protection remains a priority.

“Eden House prides itself with an open-door policy of not turning anyone away, and accepting the most complex, high-risk residents, who have struggled to find help from other residential services across England and Wales.”