We are delighted to announce our new national partnership to deliver transformative voluntary throughcare support across Scotland. This partnership—comprising Access to Industry, Action for Children, Apex Scotland, Barnardo’s, Circle, Families Outside, Sacro, and Turning Point Scotland—represents a unified approach to supporting individuals transitioning from short-term custody or remand to community life.
Our model has been developed through a collaborative process, drawing on the strengths of each partner organisation and the insights of those who have experienced the challenges of reintegration. It is rooted in co-production, with input from staff, stakeholders, and people with lived experience shaping its design and ensuring it meets the needs of those it supports.
Consistency of delivery is a core principle of this national service. Wherever someone is in Scotland, they will have access to person-centred, trauma-informed support tailored to their unique circumstances. Our approach focuses on meeting people where they are, addressing immediate challenges, and helping them build sustainable futures within their communities.
This partnership reflects not just collaboration within our organisations but also our ambition to build on and strengthen relationships and capacity, through structures such as Community Justice Partnerships and recovery networks, to be able to better respond to population needs at a local level as part of a place-based approach. By working together, we aim to reduce barriers, promote effective reintegration, and support long-term positive outcomes for people and communities alike.
This initiative is an opportunity to create meaningful change. By aligning our efforts and putting people at the centre of what we do, we will work collaboratively to reduce reoffending, ease the transition from custody to community, and help build safer, more connected communities across Scotland.
We are grateful for the contributions of everyone who has been part of this journey so far, and we approach this next phase with focus, collaboration, and a commitment to listening and learning as we move forward.
Annie Mauger-Thompson, Chief Executive of Sacro (Lead Partner) said:
“This partnership brings together the expertise, compassion, and dedication of eight organisations to create a truly transformative model of throughcare. By uniting our efforts, our model will deliver consistent, person-centred support to individuals at a critical point in their lives.
"What makes this initiative so powerful is how it has been shaped through collaboration and co-production. By listening to those with lived experience and working closely with staff, stakeholders, and community partners, we have designed a service that meets real needs, provides trauma-informed support, and fosters sustainable futures for individuals and communities.
"Through this partnership, we are not just responding to challenges—we are strengthening relationships, reducing barriers, and creating opportunities for meaningful reintegration. Together, we have the chance to build safer, more connected communities across Scotland and ensure a more inclusive and supportive justice system for everyone.”
The Throughcare Service is a national initiative in Scotland, launching on 1 April 2025, aimed at supporting people transitioning from short-term custody or remand back into their communities. It will address the challenges faced during reintegration, such as housing, mental health, addiction, and access to support networks. The service will focus on promoting community safety and reducing reoffending by fostering long-term stability and personal development.
