Scottish project to reduce reoffending extended to 2017

A pilot project which reduces reoffending and supports around 750 prisoners and ex-offenders every year will be extended to March 2017.

An additional £200,000 funding from the Scottish Government means the Low Moss Public Social Partnership (PSP) project will continue to help short-term prisoners with access to suitable housing, applying for jobs and increasing their qualifications.

The project works to improve relationships with their families and communities, supporting them in prison and helping them to feel settled and adapt to life once they leave prison.

Results from the first year of the pilot project in 2013/14, found that of the 201 prisoners released, only 30 had returned to custody by 2014. Half of the service users reported their living situation and psychological wellbeing had improved through the project, while one man who had not been out of custody for longer than six weeks in 17 years has now spent the last 18 months in the community.

Prisoners referred to the third sector project are allocated a keyworker who will create a personal care plan for them, working with them for the duration of the sentence, and up to a year after they leave, to make sure they get access to the right services at the right time.

Lead third sector partner, Turning Point Scotland, said they delighted with the further funding. Chief Executive, Martin Cawley said: “We would like to thank the Scottish Government for their ongoing support which makes a significant difference to reducing offending and ultimately turn the lives round of the people we support.

“This provides a steady platform to focus on the future sustainability of the service, so that it continues to meet the needs of the people it supports to address the underlying issues which contribute to their offending behaviour.”

The Public-Social Partnership (PSP) was developed in consultation with key stakeholders, including prisoners and ex-offenders and became operational in May 2013.
 
More information on the project and the partners involved is available from Turning Point Scotland, at: http://www.turningpointscotland.com/hmp-low-moss-public-social-partnership/