Faith in Throughcare (FiT) celebrated its 5th anniversary during Prisoners Week 2015Originally working with HMP Barlinnie and communities in the North East of Glasgow (Possilpark, Lambhill, Milton, Springburn, Ruchazie, Blackhill, Provanmill, Riddrie) as these areas identified as having the highest numbers of people returning to them after serving short prison sentences in HMP Barlinnie.

What 'ingredients' need to be in the mix for a model of Faith in Throughcare to be developed?  A focus mainly on communities identified by Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) as 'deprived'. There will be high numbers of people revolving in and out of prison. There will be faith and other local community groups willing to join with us to support those people returning to their local area. There will be a prison showing willingness and a way to work with our staff and volunteers to identify people who would benefit from our assistance and support. There will be sources of volunteers for us to recruit, train and support. Volunteers are welcomed from all walks of life, including people who have a personal experience of the criminal justice system.

Since 2010 FiT has further developed capacity to respond to need elsewhere and are now working in communities in Inverclyde, Kilmarnock and Dundee, with links established with HMPs Low Moss, Kilmarnock, Greenock and Perth. Volunteers are active in all the areas and mentoring support could not be offered without this valuable resource.  

Volunteer Recruitment happens in each area at least once a year and volunteer induction is about to start in Inverclyde. The programme runs over 30 hours of interactive group work and usually lasts around 6 weeks. Volunteers are required to be over 25 years of age and eligible to join the PVG scheme.  Anyone interested in volunteering with FiT in Inverclyde, please get in touch right, away as we may be able to offer a few places on the current training which is on Wednesday afternoons. Please contact Morag Sievwright , 0141 221 4576.  Please also use this contact if you want to find out more about volunteering in any of the other areas mentioned.  Visit the Faith in Throughcare website