Liaison and Diversion Service
Many people who encounter the youth or criminal justice system have mental health needs, learning disabilities, problems with drugs or alcohol, or other difficulties that affect their wellbeing. Many of these people could be supported better in the community or helped before they go further into the justice system.
Our service aims to support vulnerable people as early as possible when they first come to the attention of the criminal justice system. We respond quickly to concerns raised by the police, probation service, youth offending teams or court staff. We share important health and social information with decision makers so they can make informed choices about charging and sentencing.
By working in this way, we aim to:
- reduce reoffending
- reduce unnecessary use of police and court time
- make sure health and social needs are met by the right services
- reduce health inequalities for some of the most vulnerable people in society
What do we do?
Our team works with children, young people and adults aged 10 and over who encounter the criminal justice system.
We aim to identify a person's needs and vulnerabilities as early as possible. We then share relevant information with justice agencies to help them understand how best to support that person.
Where appropriate , we refer people to other services and support them through the referral process. We may also support people with additional needs while they move through the criminal justice system.
We are not a treatment service. However, we do offer assertive follow up support to help people engage with community services.
This may include:
- Specialist assessments
This may involve psychology or speech, language and communication assessments. We may also offer short term support to help explain a person's needs to other services and prepare them to engage with ongoing support. - Support through the criminal justice process
We help justice agencies understand how to work with vulnerable people. We also support individuals to understand what is happening, using tools such as Easy Read information, anxiety management support, and meeting them before or during key stages of the process. - Help to access other services
We support people to self refer , register with services, and attend appointments. This may include helping them get to their first appointment and supporting them to stay engaged with ongoing services.
How to refer
Referrals can be made for any detainee identified with a vulnerability and referred via the following sources: Police, Custody Healthcare Providers, Appropriate Adults, self-referral, carers and family members, alcohol and drug workers within custody, Defence Solicitors, Community Mental Health Services or other Trust teams.
Court and Custody partners have direct access to referrals to the service. Outside of these services we would recommend you contact the Team Managers on 0115 955 5359 to discuss how to refer.
Accessing our service
We operate in the Mansfield and Nottingham custody suites and the Nottingham Magistrates Court and Nottingham Crown Court.
Referrals are received from a number of different sources including:
- Police custody
- Custody healthcare providers,
- Substance misuse practitioners,
- Self-referral
- Court - probation, solicitors etc.
There may be occasions where individuals are not seen due to demand on the service or decline initial contact, these people may receive an offer of an assessment by the service once they leave the custody suite/court, this letter will contain additional information / service contact details.
Contact and find us
- Custody: The Custody teams operates from 8am to 8pm across 7 days a week, inclusive of bank holidays (exception of Christmas Day).
- Court: The court teams work Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
- County base: Heatherdene, 3 Crow Hill Drive, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, NG19 7AE
- Telephone: 01623 434649 - office hours only
- City base: Westminster House, 598 The Wells Road, Nottingham, NG3 3AA
- Telephone: 0115 955 5359 - office hours only
Travelling to Heatherdene
Find your way here
Use Google Maps to find the best route to Heatherdene.
Bus
You can get to the site using Stagecoach and Nottsbus Connect bus routes:
- 6 Bus Route and Timetable: Ladybrook - Bull Farm | Stagecoach
- 23 Bus Route and Timetable: Mansfield - Langwith | Stagecoach
- 53 Bus Route and Timetable: Mansfield - Sheffield | Stagecoach
- 205 Nottsbus Connect: Mansfield - Mansfield Woodhouse
- 217 Nottsbus Connect: Mansfield
Bike
There is no designated cycling storage available on site.
You can plan your journey online by visiting the CycleStreets website.
Cycling to our sites is not only carbon emission free but is also excellent for physical and mental wellbeing.
Train
The nearest station is Mansfield Woodhouse Station (Less than a 1 mile).
For help planning your journey please visit: Plan Your Journey | Traveline
Parking
There is limited free visitor and service user parking onsite.
Travelling to Westminster House
Bus
You can get to the site using Nottingham City Transport (NCT) bus routes 40,41, 60:
- 40 - Edwards Lane Estate and City Hospital to City | Nottingham City Transport
- 60 - Gedling to City | Nottingham City Transport
- 61 - Calverton to Nottingham | Nottingham City Transport
Bike
Sheffield cycling stands available a short walk away at Duncan Macmillan House.
You can plan your journey online by visiting the CycleStreets website.
Cycling to our sites is not only carbon emission free but is also excellent for physical and mental wellbeing.
Train
The nearest train station is Nottingham (3 miles) and Carlton (3 miles).
For help planning your journey please visit: Plan Your Journey | Traveline
Parking
Limited free onsite parking is available for visitors and service users.
Alternative parking available at Duncan Macmillan House (NG3 6AA).
Help in a crisis
Should your concern relate to a service user currently known to the team then please contact the team directly on the contact numbers above within working hours. Outside of office hours, contact the Crisis Resolution Home Treatment Team, GP surgery or NHS 111.
Information for professionals
Please contact us on 0115 9555359 (Nottingham office) or 01623 434649 (Mansfield office) if you wish to discuss a possible referral to our service. Whilst we work with people who are open to the criminal Justice System (i.e. up until their case is closed / they are sentenced) we are happy to be contacted for advice/information.
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