The Historic Churches of Norwich

A Pivotal Role within the Norwich Community


The Probation Service first worked from St Martin at Palace Church in 1989. This was followed with the introduction of Norfolk ACRO’s (Association for the Care & Resettlement of Offenders) first project in 1991 when it launched Project ’91. Since 2000 Norfolk ACRO has leased the premises.
In partnership with Norfolk Probation Area, Norfolk ACRO works across Norfolk to:

  1. Support the resettlement and reintegration of ex-offenders into the community

  2. Reduce Crime and therefore the number of victims

  3. Improve the prospects of ex-offenders and other individuals facing disadvantage thus enabling (their) positive contribution to society through inclusion and improved situation

At the church the organization provides a range of services to help offenders/ ex offenders to get their lives back on track. Such services include:

Giving accommodation  advice to approximately 700 clients per year on how to: maintain their tenancies, obtain housing etc

Helping approximately 100 clients annually  to return to work

Providing education & training for approximately 250 clients. Courses may be accredited up to level 2 and are provided over a whole range of disciplines including:

The organization describes many of its courses as being “first rung” opportunities as they give clients, many of whom are not used to being in formal education, a supported route back into training.

 

The church is in an ideal location for Norfolk ACRO as it is not only near the Courts and the Probation Office, but it is also easily reached by both bus and rail. Amanda Payne (Director) believes that the church provides a calming, pleasant atmosphere for their clients to visit.

As has been shown with so many of the Medieval church conversions, the building continues to provide a pivotal role within the Norwich community enabling the organization to:


“Promote and assist the social inclusion of individuals facing disadvantage from previous offending, low income/skills, unemployment, poor health and unsuitable housing”

All Saints Westlegate St. George Tombland St. Julian St. Michael at Plea
St. Andrew St. Giles St. Lawrence St. Peter Hungate
St. Augustine St. Gregory St. Margaret St. Peter Mancroft
St. Benedict St. Helen St. Martin at Oak St. Peter Parmentergate
St. Clement St. James Pockthorpe St. Martin at Palace Plain St. Saviour
St. Edmund Fishergate St. John de Sepulchre St. Mary Coslany St. Simon & St. Jude
St. Etheldreda St. John Maddermarket St. Mary the Less St. Stephen
St. George Colegate St. John Timberhill St. Miles Coslany St. Swithin