Magistrates from Greater Manchester were invited to an open event hosted at CGM CRC’s Minshull Street office.

The event was hosted to give JPs an insight into CGM CRC’s Intensive Community Order (ICO). The ICO was designed and implemented by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and CGM CRC almost a decade ago and offers supervision for men from 18 to 25 who have committed offences which place them at risk of receiving a custodial sentence. ICO supports people to stop re-offending. It is tailored to an individual’s age, maturity and their personal history.

The ICO team adopts view that adulthood is not fully reached aged 18. There is a vast amount of research to evidence that young adult’s cognitive development continues into their mid-20s. All ICO interventions are designed with this principle in mind.

Helen Latham (pictured above), Interchange Manager and head of the ICO team, hosted the event at Minshull Street, the ICO hub.

She said: “I am delighted that so many magistrates attended, and they were clearly impressed by the ICO offer and were supportive of our innovative approach.

“Four services users gave their heartfelt stories about how the ICO team has helped support them to make positive change and gave a powerful testimony to the work which our dedicated team of partner agencies supply.

“Community based sentences are not a soft option. The ICO is intensive, it aims to help people make the changes they need to make to become positive members of society.”

Sentencers met ICO staff, service users and third sector organisations such as 42nd street, Care Leavers Association and Partners of Prisoners, an organisation which works with the offender’s wider family in order to provide holistic support. Offenders also receive employment, training and education support, and access interventions that help build maturity, navigate debt problems and overcome substance misuse – among other issues.

Helen said: “We employ kinaesthetic learning wherever possible to support and empower our service users. Colleagues also explained how our unique screening tool helps us identify the best learning method for each individual – many of whom may have had negative experiences of education. However, with the right support, significant progress can be made.”

Helen added: “Magistrates gave passionate feedback. They were impressed by the service users and our committed and dedicated staff and described the event as ‘uplifting’ and eye opening.”

Helen also praised ICO staff for supporting the event.