When ex-offenders are released from prison, it can be hard to reintegrate. Now, a project from the Estonian Ministry of Justice is offering support, including individual mentoring and good quality accommodation, to help ex-prisoners avoid re-offending and rejoin society.

The project, called Support Services for Ex-Convicts, gives prisoners a mentor who helps them to plan life on the outside. After release, they support them for up to 18 months, co-operating with social services, housing centres and prison services and helping with day-to-day issues. Together, they work through structured goals – registering as unemployed person, perhaps, or having a session with debt counsellor – to encourage full reintegration.

If the ex-offender doesn't have a home to return to, or it is unsuitable, the project can also provide temporary accommodation, with good living conditions, full facilities and live-in assistance.