Community partners and local representatives gathered in Elgin on Tuesday (1 July 2025) to mark the Moray launch of Upside – an innovative Scotland-wide service supporting people as they leave prison and return to community life.

Funded by the Scottish Government, Upside is a key part of national efforts to reform justice services. The service is delivered through a partnership of eight leading charities and has a strong focus on reducing reoffending, supporting reintegration, and improving outcomes for people and communities. Turning Point Scotland will deliver the service in Moray.

Upside offers help with housing, health, finances, substance use, and rebuilding family connections. Central to its approach is the development of trusting relationships, addressing barriers to reintegration, and connecting people with local services.

The local launch event was hosted by Moray Community Justice Partnership. Formed in 2017, the partnership brings together national and local organisations to reduce offending and improve outcomes for people impacted by the justice system. It works to strengthen understanding of community justice, find solutions to grass roots causes of offending behaviour, and promote rehabilitation.

Ainya Taylor, Community Justice Co-ordinator for Moray, said: “This event was a fantastic opportunity to bring together community members and partners, and raise awareness of the support available in Moray. Through services like Upside, we’re working to ensure that no one falls through the cracks after release from prison.”

The event, held at the Inkwell, also spotlighted Health & Social Care Moray’s Voluntary Throughcare service which plays a vital role in helping people rebuild their lives after release.

It offers up to 12 months of support after release from prison for people who are not subject to licence conditions. The service can assist with accommodation, benefits, mental health support, addiction recovery, employment, and rebuilding family relationships. It aims to empower people to move away from offending and make positive, lasting changes in their lives.

For more information on Voluntary Throughcare, visit the Community Justice Partnership section of the Moray Protects website morayprotects.co.uk or contact Moray Council Justice Services by emailing justice@moray.gov.uk or calling 01343 557200.

To learn more about the Upside service, visit www.upside.scot

Caption: Celebrating the launch of the Upside in Moray are Ainya Taylor (2^nd right), Moray Community Justice Co-ordinator with Turning Point Scotland team members (from left) Karen Watson, Lynsey Blaney, and Di Mitchell.