Third sector organisations receive £3m of Scottish Government funding for services to reduce reoffending

Young offenders - Image credit: PA Images

Seven third sector organisations are to share £3m of Scottish Government funding to deliver services aimed at reducing reoffending.

The seven charities to receive the funding provide specialist services including employment training, early intervention, support for families of prisoners and social care support.

Apex Scotland and SACRO are some the main providers of criminal justice social work.

Families Outside supports children and families affected by imprisonment and Positive Prison? Positive Futures supports the reintegration of people who have been through the criminal justice system.

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SOLD supports offenders with learning difficulties and the Venture Trust help offenders overcome disadvantaged or difficult circumstances to move towards training, education or work.

Turning Point Scotland provides social care and support services to with complex needs including learning difficulties, addictions, homelessness as well as offenders.

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said: “The specialist services these charities provide is a vital part of our vision of reducing reoffending rates further by addressing the underlying causes of offending.

“I want to see fewer ineffective short-term prison sentences used, and more community sentences, which also help people to turn their lives around, keep crime down and communities safe.”

“From early intervention to supporting reintegration back into the community, these charities are dedicated to working with people who have offended at all possible opportunities and supporting them to become contributing members of the community.”

Apex Scotland CEO Alan Staff said: “This funding allows us to not only deliver our existing activity in partnership with national and local government, but to trial new approaches which are effective and sustainable in the future and flexible enough to adapt to the changing environment. 

“Apex Scotland is grateful to the Scottish Government for its continued belief in our ability to make a difference.”