Next Steps
Key information
Age range: 16+
Location: Across Scotland
Who it's for: Women who've been involved in offending
In 2010, we launched our innovative Next Steps programme – for women whose chaotic and disadvantaged backgrounds have led to their involvement in offending.
This programme is delivered in conjunction with criminal justice partner agencies that are engaging with groups of women throughout Scotland. The programme is designed to support women of all ages who have been involved in the criminal justice system. Many have experienced difficult backgrounds - often involving abuse, domestic violence, substance misuse, unemployment and broken relationships. We help these women to reduce their risk of re-offending and move towards a positive destination in employment, education, training or volunteering. We support participants to identify the changes they want to make in their lives, then develop skills, motivation and aspirations for a more positive future. Participants are supported by our outreach teams before experiencing an intensive five day wilderness journey followed by ongoing community-based support from us and other partners.
We're commissioning an external evaluation of this programme, which we expect to take place in early 2012. Keep and eye on our news section for full details of this report once it's published.
We'll also be monitoring the achievements of the women taking part in this programme through our usual monitoring and evaluation systems, and will be regularly updating details here as the programme becomes established.
Funding partners
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The European Social Fund provide programmatic support for a number of our programmes across Scotland.
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Comic Relief's 'Sport for Change' fund enables women to take part in our Next Steps programme.
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The Rank Foundation is a grant giving charitable trust, aiming to encourage and develop leadership amongst young people, and support disadvantaged young people.
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The Rayne Foundation helps and encourages inspiring individuals and organisations who can help build bridges within our complex world.
This programme is delivered in conjunction with criminal justice partner agencies that are engaging with groups of women throughout Scotland.
