Pioneering recycling firm Recycling Lives brings acclaimed prisons programme to HMP Barlinnie
A prisoner work-placement programme which has successfully cut reoffending rates by up to 95 percent and changed lives south of the border has been launched in Scotland by recycling and waste management company Recycling Lives.
The firm has partnered with Police Scotland and HMP Barlinnie Prison in Glasgow to introduce the acclaimed scheme, which has already been successfully delivered across English prisons over the last six years.
The National Top End Work Placement scheme will offer offenders the chance of day-release opportunities with the organisation when they near the end of their sentence – giving people emerging from the justice system the chance to learn valuable skills and work experience to support their rehabilitation.
The pioneering scheme is an innovative approach by Recycling Lives to tackle employment outcomes for the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) – and Recycling Lives Social Sustainability Manager Barry Flanagan said the organisation was delighted to expand the programme into Scotland to become a UK-wide prisoner support service.
He commented: “We are passionate about giving people second chances, strengthening local communities and helping to rehabilitate people to live fulfilled lives.
I know from both the national statistics and from working with the justice system for a number of years, that unemployment is a key driver in re-offending rates across the UK. Through upskilling and employing those transitioning to society from custodial settings, we can help keep people off the streets and cut reoffending rates while continuing to make a positive contribution to Scotland’s circular economy by recycling and upcycling waste materials.
By creating opportunities and providing the right support for those who are keen and dedicated about rebuilding their lives, we are also contributing to the stability and economy of local communities – providing jobs and support needed for a self-sufficient path forward.”
Recycling Lives, the UK’s largest processor of end-of-life vehicles, recently opened its second base in Scotland, with the acquisition of Glasgow recycling firm John R. Adam and Sons Ltd, based at the historic George V docks – a move that saw the Recycling Lives business hit over £300 million turnover and take its employee count to more than 550.
With the new Glasgow base and the arrangement with HMP Barlinnie representing the next stage for the organisation’s work with offenders, Recycling Lives launched its first Scottish community operation in Falkirk in 2018, working with local stakeholders and charities to generate jobs, growth and tangible social impact.
Most recently, this includes work with Kingdom Off Road – a charity that takes young people off the streets or those at risk of permanent exclusion from school and encourages them to channel their energy into mechanics and motocross sports. As a positive and engaging way of increasing school attendance, the initiative is showing a reduction in anti-social behaviour of up to 70% in the local area to date.
Recycling Lives’ social programmes and partnerships have been found to improve skill levels across schools, colleges, the justice system and disadvantaged groups within local communities throughout the UK– helping people find meaningful, sustainable employment, and purpose in the ecosystem of life.
