Prisoners Week 2024
Resources
Keep an eye out for more resources to come!
Worship Resource
Suggested material which can be used to develop a service of worship around our theme.
Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone) Recording
AMAZING GRACE (My Chains are Gone) audio – the song was recorded of prisoners singing at HMP Barlinnie, Glenochil, Shotts, Low Moss, Greenock, Edinburgh, Perth.
Time for Reflection - Natalie Beale
On November 12th, Natalie Beal, Prison Governor and Chair of the Prison Governors Association Scotland, spoke powerfully about the call to justice that touches each of us, as part of this year's Prisoners Week theme, Hear My Voice. She urged us all to listen to the voices of those impacted by imprisonment, calling for understanding, change, and hope.
Prayer Diary
The Prisoners Week Prayer Diary 2024 invites individuals to journey through a week of reflection, prayer, and compassionate action from November 17th to 23rd. Centred around the theme 'Hear My Voice,' this resource provides daily prayers, scripture, and practical suggestions to support prisoners, their families, victims, and those working within the prison and criminal justice systems. It encourages readers to advocate for restorative justice and foster understanding, highlighting the shared humanity and stories of those affected by imprisonment.
Creative Change Collective - Short Film
Commissioned by Community Justice Glasgow ‘Something to Lose’ follows the fictional journey of a young man on a Community Payback Order ‘CPO’ and the impact it has on his life (as an alternative to a short term prison sentence). Directed by Adam Robertson and Written by Mark MacNicol the film also interviews both Justice Professionals and individuals issued with CPOs. In line with our commitment to lived experience, the lead actor James Greig has previously spent time on a CPO.
A Curious Lawyer’s Journey to Justice – Iain Smith
What might Scotland’s prison community look like if it had compassion at its core? What would it take for awareness of adverse childhood experiences and relational trauma to be woven into all of its practices and policies? What transformation might it mean for the people who live and work within prison walls? What might it mean for the families and friends who love those individuals? These are the questions that were explored at the Compassionate Prisons Conference held in Glasgow in June 2022. This event is the third major gathering held by ACE Aware Scotland, and we were delighted to be joined by 400 delegates from a wide range of sectors. This video features the presentation delivered by Iain Smith, partner at Keegan Smith Criminal Defence Lawyers. Iain has gained a reputation as one of the leading voices in Scotland in moving the legal profession to an awareness of how childhood trauma affects behaviour. His talk, entitled ‘A curious lawyer’s journey to justice’, provides a clear account of how he came to be concerned about childhood trauma and why he is so insistent that we stop allowing Scottish culture to overlook it.
Inside Scotland's Pioneering Women's Prison - Channel 4 Clip
The Bella Unit in Dundee was the U.K. first when it opened two years ago; its goal is to break a re-offending cycle. Some Inmates are serving life sentences and are encouraged to make links with the local community to help them cope better when they leave custody.