About Circles South West

Circles South West is an independent charity established in 2010. We work in close partnership with health, police, probation and youth offending services, uniquely providing Circles of Support and Accountability across South West England. We are the only recognised partner of the Ministry of Justice and statutory agencies/MAPPA, providing specialist support and accountability to enhance the management of people who have sexually offended in the community. Last year we coordinated 58 Circles of Support and Accountability, involving more then 200 volunteers around the region.

Circles South West is an independent, regional charity working in partnership with statutory services across the South West to reduce sexual harm. We do this by providing 'Circles of Support and Accountability' ('Circles') to monitor and support people who have sexually harmed in Dorset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Avon, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall.

An innovative community response to the endemic problem of sexual abuse in our communities, a Circle comprises 4 or 5 community volunteers who are trained, supported and supervised by professionals.

The Circle meets frequently for 12-18 months, assisting the Core Member to establish an independent life-style which is free from crime. Volunteers both encourage the Core Member and hold him/her to account, reporting back to the public protection agencies.

Our mission is ‘No More Victims’ and reducing reoffending is our objective.