TPS Showcase with Fergus Ewing
03 March 2008
Turning Point Scotland is showcasing its work at the Glasgow Science Centre in a bid to raise awareness of the work the national social care charity provides throughout Scotland.
Last year the charity supported over 14,500 adults with complex needs which includes those with criminal justice issues, substance misuse, mental health issues, learning disabilities, autism, acquired brain injury, early onset dementia, Huntington's disease and those who find themselves homeless.
The theme of the day is "A Just Scotland". Treating people justly underpins the charity's approach of providing services that fit people, especially when we work with those who may not always be viewed sympathetically by society.
More than half of Turning Point Scotland's services will be exhibiting including the newly launched Turnaround service. The 218 service in Glasgow for women and Northern Horizons based in Peterhead also provide services to adults within the criminal justice system.
Substance misuse services across the central belt and the north of Scotland along with homelessness services operating in Glasgow, Elgin and Fraserburgh will also participate.
Netta Maciver, Chief Executive of Turning Point Scotland says:
"Justice does not apply only to those who break the law, but to those who need support from society for a range of issues. For some this might be about getting a decent house, or being supported to make meaningful use of time within your local community. It is about having control of your journey and a hope for the future."
Minister for Community Safety Fergus Ewing will deliver the keynote speech to delegates including service users said:
"I believe there is an increasing awareness that the needs of victims and the interests of communities are inextricably linked to the action the police, prosecutors and the courts take in relation to those accused of crime. There is a need to look creatively at the whole range of disposals available - disposals that are becoming increasingly diverse and responsive. In particular we have to look carefully at diversion from prosecution for those entering a cycle of committing repeat offences of a less serious nature and who are at the crossroads between a criminal career and rehabilitation.
"I make no excuses for emphasising that serious action is necessary in response to serious crime. Those who carry and use knives, for example, can expect to be imprisoned before and after their trial. Violence, sexual offences, drug trafficking and the serious and organised crime that can blight individuals and communities will receive the close attentions of the police and dedicated prosecutors working with law enforcement agencies and will be prosecuted in courts that can impose significant salutary sentences. The public, and public confidence, expect and deserve no less.
"But equally, our approach cannot always be punitive. Whilst prison is a necessary reflection of society's abhorrence of certain crimes, and gives a level of protection as well as retribution in these most serious of cases, there are many cases in which we need, for the greater good of society as well as the individual, to lift our heads and find alternatives - direct measures that police and prosecutors can take to address people's behaviour and break the cycle of low level re-offending."
At the event Fergus Ewing will present the Turning Point Scotland Criminal Justice Award 2008. The award follows the charities influencing strategy to target future professionals with the dual intention of informing them of our work and also encouraging them to access services in the future for their clients.
Turning Point Scotland invited undergraduate law students from the University of Strathclyde to submit a 2,000 word assignment entitled "What are the main causes of offending behaviour and how might this behaviour be reduced in Scotland in the 21st Century?"
Sponsored by Messrs JC Hughes the award will be judged by Sheriff Robert Anthony QC, Doctor Robertson and Dr Piacentini from the Law School University of Strathclyde and Netta Maciver, Chief Executive of Turning Point Scotland.
NOTES TO EDITORS :
- For more information on Turning Point Scotland and the services it provides please log onto http://www.turningpointscotland.com
- Services exhibiting at the event include: Aberdeen Social Enterprises; Edinburgh Substance Misuse services; Glasgow Drugs Crisis Centre; South East Alternatives (Gorbals); Milestone (Bridgeton); 218 (Glasgow); Turnaround (West of Scotland); Northern Horizons (Peterhead); Access Art (Dumfries); Midway (Glasgow); STABLE (Aberdeen); SHAPE (Aberdeen); Dumfries & Galloway; Moving On (Drumchapel); Link-Up (Glasgow); PITSTOP (Fraserburgh); Guildry House (Elgin); Inverclyde & Dumfries and Galloway Learning Disability Services. TPS Board of Directors will also exhibit along with employability, the Make it Happen and Innovation Fund.