Further funding for charities tackling reoffending

Funding has been confirmed over the next year for four Scottish charities working to reduce reoffending.

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson has announced the new support for Apex Scotland, SACRO, Families Outside and Positive Prison? Positive Futures, which support people in addressing underlying issues such as housing, healthcare, employment, welfare, alcohol and substance abuse. In the case of Families Outside, the support extends to preventing longer-term problems for children and families of prisoners, as well as for the person returning from prison.

SACRO will receive £435,348; Families Outside, £130,000; Apex Scotland, £426,634; and Positive Prison? Positive Futures, £86,898.

Mr Matheson said: “I have set out my a vision for a Scotland where people are held to account for their offending and are then given the opportunity to change their lives and become active members of society.

“That is why we are committed to supporting a sustainable and innovative third sector to work with offenders. This new funding will help deliver a wide range of projects to enable individuals turn their lives around and support families affected by the justice system.”