Immediate Justice gives back to communities this Christmas

Offenders taking part in Nottinghamshire’s Immediate Justice programme have been helping to support families in need this Christmas by carrying out community reparation work at Himmah Food Bank in Radford.

Throughout December, service users on the scheme have been volunteering their time at the charity’s base in the Hyson Green and Radford area, helping to bag, stack and organise food parcels ready to be distributed to local people facing hardship during the festive period.

The work has taken place at one of the busiest times of year for food banks, when demand for support is traditionally at its highest. By lending a hand behind the scenes, Immediate Justice participants have helped Himmah staff and volunteers ensure vital supplies reach those who need them most.

Himmah is a Nottingham-based charity that provides food, advice and practical support to people experiencing poverty, crisis or social isolation. As well as operating food banks across the city, the organisation also delivers community meals, advice services and wider wellbeing support, working closely with local partners to reach vulnerable individuals and families.

The reparation work forms part of Nottinghamshire’s Immediate Justice scheme, which gives people who commit low-level offences the opportunity to take responsibility for their actions by carrying out visible, meaningful work that benefits the communities they have impacted.

Since launching in January 2024, more than 1,000 referrals have now been made into the Immediate Justice programme across Nottinghamshire, with offenders completing activities ranging from environmental clean-ups and graffiti removal to repairs of community spaces and support for local charities.

Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden said the festive volunteering work reflected the values at the heart of the scheme.

“Christmas is a time when community matters more than ever, and it’s incredibly powerful to see Immediate Justice participants supporting a charity that does so much for local people.

“This programme is about more than punishment – it’s about accountability, restoration and change.

“By contributing to work like this, offenders are making amends in a very real and visible way, while charities like Himmah receive much-needed support at a critical time of year.”

“With more than 1,000 referrals now made, Immediate Justice is proving that there is a better way to deal with low-level offending, one that benefits victims, communities and the individuals themselves.”

The Immediate Justice programme is led by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire and delivered in partnership with Nottinghamshire Police, local authorities and service provider Red Snapper Managed Services.

It has already been credited with helping to improve public confidence, reduce repeat offending and deliver practical improvements in neighbourhoods affected by antisocial behaviour and low-level crime.

Superintendent Chris Pearson, Nottinghamshire Police’s City Commander, said the work at Himmah highlighted the wider value of the scheme beyond enforcement.

He said: “This is exactly what Immediate Justice is about - offenders being held to account in a way that gives something positive back to the community, while also encouraging reflection and change.

“At a time of year when many families are struggling, seeing people give their time to support a charity like Himmah sends a powerful message. It helps charities meet increased demand, reassures the public, and gives those on the programme a chance to understand the real impact of their actions.”

The success of Immediate Justice has already led to its expansion across Nottinghamshire, with growing demand from councils, community groups and charities keen to host reparation activities that leave a lasting positive impact.

Many service users who complete the programme also receive additional support, including referrals into employment, education, substance misuse or wellbeing services, helping to address the root causes of offending and reduce the likelihood of future harm.

Sajid Mohammed, Director of Himmah said: “We’re incredibly grateful for the support provided through the Immediate Justice programme at such a critical time of year. Christmas is one of the busiest periods for our food bank, and having extra hands to prepare and distribute parcels makes a real difference to families who are struggling.

“What we value most about this initiative is that it’s not just about giving back, it’s about creating opportunities for reflection, learning and growth.

“By taking part, individuals can see the positive impact they can have, learn new skills, meet different people and understand how they can contribute to building a stronger, more caring society.

“At Himmah, we believe everyone deserves the chance to thrive and reach their full potential. Programmes like Immediate Justice help make that possible by turning mistakes into meaningful action and second chances.”

As Nottinghamshire continues to invest in approaches that balance enforcement with prevention and rehabilitation, Immediate Justice is increasingly seen as a cornerstone of efforts to tackle antisocial behaviour and strengthen community trust.

With further days of action and reparation projects planned into the new year, partners hope the scheme will continue to deliver practical benefits, not just at Christmas, but all year round.