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An Ingeus colleague whose passion for partnership working is helping transform lives across Greater Manchester has received royal recognition for her efforts.
Claire Oldham, Accommodation Advisor within our Justice services, was recently invited to attend a visit by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal at Atherton Probation Office. The invitation followed Claire's growing impact across Wigan Probation Delivery Unit (PDU), where she has been bringing together local organisations, support services and community partners to help people access the support they need to rebuild their lives.
The visit, which took place on 8th September, also celebrated the achievements of Butler Trust Award recipients and recognised the dedication of staff and partner organisations working to support communities and reduce reoffending.
Reflecting on the experience, Claire said:
"I still cannot believe how fortunate I was to have been asked by the senior probation officers to attend the Royal Visit by Princess Anne to Atherton Probation Office. It was undoubtedly the highlight of my career to date and a day that I will remember for many years to come."
During the visit, Claire had the opportunity to introduce herself to The Princess Royal and explain her role supporting people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness following release from custody or while serving community-based sentences.
She spoke about the practical, one-to-one support she provides, helping people overcome barriers to housing through skills development, housing applications, supported accommodation referrals and partnership working with local authorities.
Claire was struck by The Princess Royal's genuine interest in the challenges surrounding homelessness and the impact the current housing crisis can have on both individuals and practitioners.
The invitation is a reflection of the wider impact Claire has been making throughout the year. Alongside her day-to-day role, she has been instrumental in organising a series of themed community events designed to connect people on probation with vital local services and opportunities.
Since April, Claire has coordinated events covering financial wellbeing, volunteering opportunities, housing support and benefits advice. Further sessions planned later this year will focus on Christmas budgeting, warm spaces and practical seasonal support, all aimed at helping individuals access the right services at the right time.
Most recently, Claire led a highly successful wellbeing event at Atherton Probation Office, bringing together a wide range of organisations under one roof. More than 50 people attended the drop-in session, accessing support from health services, mental health professionals, employment advisers, wellbeing organisations, housing specialists and community groups.
The event demonstrated the power of partnership working in action. Attendees were able to access support in a welcoming environment, speak directly to service providers and build connections with organisations that could support their health, wellbeing, housing and employment goals.
Feedback from the event was overwhelmingly positive and plans are already underway to replicate the approach in Wigan in partnership with Rebuild with Hope.
For Claire, the success of these initiatives lies in bringing organisations together around a shared purpose.
"I felt incredibly proud to represent Ingeus, the Accommodation Team and the wider partnership working across probation. Being chosen to attend was a tremendous honour, and having the opportunity to speak directly with Princess Anne about the work I am so passionate about made the experience even more meaningful."
Congratulations, Claire, on this well-deserved recognition and for the positive impact you continue to make across our communities.
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