New taskforce aims to break cycle of crime in Aberdeen

A taskforce has been created to try to break the cycle of crime among prisoners and ex-offenders in Aberdeen.

The £180,000 pilot project will see a dedicated new support team working inside the city’s Craiginches Prison and outside in communities, to mentor and advise offenders.

Councillors unanimously gave their backing to the “absolutely crucial” scheme yesterday, and approved a £20,000 contribution to get it up and running by May 1.

Deputy governor of Craiginches Stephen Coyle told the local authority’s social work committee that he expected the project to be rolled out across Scotland if it proved to be a success.

“I can’t underestimate the potential impact a small investment would have,” he said.

“This is a pilot and it’s going to be very much in the national focus.

“It is at the centre of what we are trying to do.”

Asked what would happen to the project if and when Craiginches is closed to make way for the new HMP Grampian, to be built at Peterhead, Mr Coyle said he envisaged similar schemes being implemented at several new prisons.

The Scottish Prison Service will pay the bulk of the costs of the programme.

A number of agencies are to be represented on a project steering group, including the Church of Scotland, Job Centre Plus and Robert Gordon University.

Aberdeen City Council regeneration manager David Fryer said he was confident the project would make a difference to people’s lives.

Social work committee convener Jim Kiddie said: “We all want to stop the revolving door at the prison.

“This particular initiative could be absolutely crucial to ensure these very vulnerable people will be given the support to get their lives back on track.”

The project also coincides with the creation of a “community integration unit” at Craiginches for women offenders previously incarcerated in the central belt.

Opposition Labour group social work spokesman Len Ironside said: “I think this is a great move forward.

“It is a very progressive step and it’s a great alternative to sending people back out naked into the problems they once had.”