Press release -
Help for community groups and micro enterprises in a move towards ‘smarter justice’ for offenders.
Help for community groups and micro enterprises to complete projects are being promoted as part of a move towards ‘smarter justice’.
The promotion is part of the government’s move away from short-term prison sentences to community-based orders for offenders at the lower end of criminality.
To raise awareness in Moray of the support available for projects, a Smart Justice Moray event is taking place at Elgin Town Hall on September 13th.
At the event will be more than 20 organisations that can provide groups, third sector and micro-enterprises with help to benefit from the increase in community-related sentencing.
Attending the event and delivering a keynote speech is Karyn McCluskey, chief executive of Community Justice Scotland.
The Forres in Bloom group of volunteers have already reaped the benefit of extra help on the ground, with positive results for both parties.
Spokeswoman Sandra Maclennan said that the unpaid workers are a real help.
“When financial reasons caused the greenhouses to be closed the community of Forres was adamant it wanted the floral displays to be continued for the benefit of residents and visitors, and to enhance the local economy,” she said.
“Although the group has many volunteers and extensive financial support from businesses and residents our success would be greatly reduced without the support of the Community Justice team and volunteers.
“We have welcomed the opportunity to work with those on placement helping to develop their skills and to provide a congenial and supportive workplace. Some have even returned to volunteer when their hours have been completed”.
The Town Hall event will also see the launch of #YouChoose3, an opportunity for community groups, enterprising third sector organisations and micro enterprises to bid for a share of £13,000 which is being made available by Moray Alcohol and Drugs Partnership to fund projects which focus on connection, prevention and recovery from drug and alcohol-related issues.
The support for greater use of community sentences to benefit local projects comes in the form of small grants and provision of an unpaid workforce.
A spokesperson for TsiMoray said, “We are delighted to once more open up this small grants funding opportunity to community groups, enterprising third sector organisations and micro enterprises, and to be promoting #YouChoose3 as part of the Launch of the new Community Justice Strategy.”
From 13th September 2018, TsiMoray are inviting applications for between £500 and £1500 to support of projects.
Topics
- Public sector
Regions
- Scotland
Famous for its colony of dolphins, fabulous beaches and more malt whisky distilleries than any where else in Scotland, Moray is a thriving area and a great place to live. Nestling between Aberdeenshire and the Highlands, Moray stretches from Tomintoul in the south to the shores of the Moray Firth, from Keith in the east to Brodie Castle in the west.
