An ex-offender turn charity worker says probation services need more support.

It comes after it was revealed officers responsible for looking after the most dangerous offenders in the community are juggling 42 cases each.

Former gang member Lennox Rodgers, who now runs Dartford-based crime prevention charity Refocus, says the way forward is for probation services to collaborate with other organisations.

He said: "I think it is ridiculous because there has been a lot of failings with probation for many years.

"Certainly when I was a criminal it was just tick box when you were released on parole.

"You had to go to the probation office and they would just sign you off to say you had attended.

"I think some of the problem is because they have been having failings for many years it's about time now that they start collaborating and working with other services.

"They need to work with services on the ground like Refocus.

"Certainly when I was a criminal it was just tick box when you were released on parole" - Lennox Rodgers

"We work in a prison - we work with young people in the prison and support them when they come out.

"I've got people on my books who are from as far away as Southampton.

Hear more from Lennox in the KentOnline podcast

"If the probation services worked with organisations like Refocus, churches and housing associations we could information share so that everyone knows what is happening with either that young person or adult that we are trying to help.

"But it is going to take everybody coming together.

"There's lots of services that do fantastic work with young people and adults and I think probation needs to incorporate these services to help tackle the work load."

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