Emergency Early Release has been approved and the first releases took place in June. We understand that this may be positive news for some, whilst others might have concerns.
The Scottish Prison Service have created resources to help answer questions that you may have:
Our Helpline is also available to contact if you have any questions or concerns. You can contact us via phone, email, webchat or text. Our opening hours are Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm.
- Tel: 0800 254 0088
- Email: [email protected]
- Text: text FAMOUT followed by your message to 60777
We also have a useful information booklet titled “Coming Home“. This gives as much practical information as possible and encourages you to think and talk about release so you feel prepared.
Other support available
SACRO’s Throughcare staff support people on release from prison. This is often done by meeting them at the prison gate and arranging support with appointments, accommodation, health, employment, and other issues that may need attention to help with the transition back to successful independent living.
- Tel: 0131 624 7270
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.sacro.org.uk/services/justice/community-justice
‘New Routes’ run by The Wise Group
The Wise Group provides a voluntary mentoring service for men who are preparing for release from prison, for up to 6 months. They provide 1-to-1 support. It is temporarily replacing SPS throughcare for those serving short term sentences.
- Telephone: on 0141 303 3131
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.thewisegroup.co.uk/community-justice/new-routes/
CAS is an independent advice service. Their Scotland’s Citizens Advice Helpline provides a free, one-to-one and impartial general advice on issues such as finances, debt, benefits, employment and housing. Their money advice team can offer financial advice and complete a benefits check with you to ensure you are claiming what you are entitled to.
- Scotland’s Citizens Advice Helpline: 0800 028 1456
- Website: www.cas.org.uk
- You can also go into your local Citizens Advice office if you would like to speak with someone in person. Find your local CAB: https://www.cas.org.uk/cta/find-your-local-cab
Apex Scotland (Apex) is a specialist organisation that, for over 30 years, has focused on addressing the personal development, employment and training needs of people who have come into conflict with the law. They run a range of services throughout Scotland.
- Tel: 0131 220 0130
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.apexscotland.org.uk
- You can also make Referrals online here: https://d24000000jbv0eae.my.salesforce-sites.com/referral
Fair Start Scotland is a national employment support service which helps people living in Scotland to find work, including people with convictions.
- Tel: 0800 049 7061
- Website: www.startscotland.scot/fair-start-scotland
Scotland Works for You is a group which aims to improve employment opportunities for those with convictions.
- Scotland Works For You do not have website, but information about them, including local employability services for people released from prison is available at: accesstoindustry.co.uk/scotland-works-for-you-partnership-proves-it-worth/
Skills Development Scotland support individuals to build their career management and work-based and employability skills, throughout their career journey. They target this support to those who need it most, ensuring all individuals are enabled to achieve their full potential.
- Tel: 0800 917 8000
- Website: www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/
Emotional support on Release
ANDYSMANCLUB are a Men’s Mental Health Charity – Offering free-to-attend talking groups for men and challenging the stigmas around Male Mental Health.
- There are group sessions held around the UK, including Scotland.
- Website: https://andysmanclub.co.uk/scotland-clubs/
Men’s Shed Association hold community spaces for men to connect, converse and create. The activities are often similar to those of garden sheds, but for groups of men to enjoy together. They help reduce loneliness and isolation, but most importantly, they’re fun.
- Website: https://menssheds.org.uk/
This is a Scottish helpline that listens and offers information and advice for those struggling with their mental health and/or seeking emotional support. It aims to give hope to those who need it and direction for those who do not know where to seek help.
- Helpline: 0800 83 85 87
- Opening hours: 24 hours at weekends (6pm Friday – 6am Monday), 6pm to 2am on weekdays (Monday – Thursday).
- Website: https://breathingspace.scot/
This is a free helpline for anyone who is struggling and needs someone to speak to. It is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
- Helpline: 116 123
- Opening hours: 24/7
- Website: www.samaritans.org/samaritans-in-scotland/
Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH)
SAMH Information Services is available for people who want to chat about their mental health and provides people with support and information they may need.
- Tel: 0344 800 0550
- Email: [email protected]
- Opening hours: Mon – Fri, 9am – 6pm
- Website: www.samh.org.uk/find-help
Men Matter is a Glasgow based support organisation. They offer 1:1 Peer Support, a range of activities and a talking service. Men can come along, take part, have fun, get fit and meet new people. Or men can simply come along to the sessions, see what they are about and listen without any pressure to talk.
- Tel: 0141 944 7900
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.menmatterscotland.org/