Stories
Explore the Scottish justice system through the stories of those who have experienced it.
Set in the coastal town of Dunbar in East Lothian, this story explores why giving up booze is only half the battle.
I used to think I was the only one having these problems
Expelled from school at 13, and in and out of the justice system, Jenny took her second chance and changed her life for the better.
No one wakes up and decides to be a criminal…things aren’t black and white
Malky tells his story from chaos, addiction and his darkest moment to recovery, repair and redemption.
Crime is not black and white, it’s not evil and good, it’s just people.
Kevin reflects on being a victim of assault and his journey to find his voice, again.
A day with an unpaid work squad
Unpaid work takes place all around Scotland. It allows people to settle their debt to society and build better lives for themselves, their families and communities. A sheriff can order […]
What they see is a label… they don’t see that it’s someone’s child
Natalie is a non-nonsense, passionate Mentor who supports people with complex needs and trauma. She runs the addictions Recovery Cafés in HMP Barlinnie and HMP Shotts. Both are a safe […]
In the nicest possible way, I hope never to see them again
Sheriff Martin-Brown was appointed as a summary sheriff in Tayside, Central and Fife in 2016 and has responsibility for the Problem Solving Court in Forfar. She grew up in the […]
It is important that people see beyond the uniform, but a lot of people don’t
Police. What comes to mind? It’s not all about catching the baddies… PC Kerrigan discusses the side of policing that the public don’t see – and can’t see. Officers dealing […]
This isn’t just another number in the system…it’s a human being.
Ross works with young people who have been involved with the justice system. His incredible energy and enthusiasm and his connections with not only the young people but other services, […]
There is hope… everybody wants better for their bairn
As the Head Teacher of Dalmarnock Primary School for the past 9 years, Nancy has seen the area change beyond recognition and the school double in size to over 400 […]
It all comes down to trauma, and nobody’s safe from trauma.
Jordan works with young people who have experienced trauma. He supports them to re-engage using hip-hop, rapping, song writing, DJ’ing and music production. He helps young people to develop new […]
It’s all about equality for me… We can’t afford to lose another generation
The custody suite below St Leonard’s Police Station is an intimidating environment: windowless corridors are lined both sides with thick metal doors, well-worn whiteboards and busy charge bar. However, within […]
“My mum had a lot of mental health issues, my dad was in the army so he wasn’t there much” says Kim, a successful youth support worker in her 30s […]
I thought I was a big man until I went in there,” he admits. “I quickly realised that jail isn’t for me but when I got back out I just fell back in with the same crowd and it all spiralled out of control again.
I thought I was a big man until I went in there,” he admits. “I quickly realised that jail isn’t for me but when I got back out I just […]
I was born into a family system that was involved in criminality,” says James, now a successful mentor working with vulnerable young people but once a criminal with a grim […]
A big part of the treatment isn’t medicine at all… it’s relationships
Working as a GP in one of Edinburgh’s most socially deprived areas, Carey believes her key role is being an advocate for her patients. It’s not just about consultations. It’s […]