women

Following the announcement to temporarily suspend the Scottish Prison Service’s Throughcare Support Service on 13 September, the Shine Public Social Partnership is responding to work with women released from short-term prison sentences of up to four years who were previously supported by the Scottish Prison Service.

Shine is a Public Social Partnership led by Sacro with third sector partners: Wise Group, Apex, Access to Industry, Turning Point Scotland, Barnardos, Circle and Venture Trust, supported by Scottish Government, Scottish Prison Service and Social Work Scotland.

Jane is just 21 years old. She was referred to Venture Trust in April 2016 through the Reconnect Women’s Group that runs through the Criminal Justice Team in the Borders. Jane had been long term unemployed, struggling with alcohol and substance abuse, and negative relationships which led her astray, and contributed to her involvement with the criminal justice system. At the time of being referred to Venture Trust, Jane had got to a stage where she wanted to make positive changes in her life; she was engaging with an employability programme and also working part time.