Inside Out (a project supported by Youth Justice Voices and Barnardo’s Scotland: Outside In HMP&YOI Polmont) has been recognised as a Scottish Charity Awards finalist in the Pioneering Project category, recognising the unique project which works with care experienced young boys and men in HMP&YOI Polmont to amplify their voices and bring about system, policy and practice change.
Run annually by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), the Scottish Charity Awards celebrate the best of Scotland’s voluntary sector.
This year’s shortlist includes 44 individuals and organisations from charities and voluntary groups across the country. While a judging panel will determine the winners under nine distinct categories, members of the public can have their say by voting for their favourite overall entry in the People’s Choice Award – by clicking here – before 5pm on Friday 20 May 2022.
The Inside Out Team are encouraging those who support, or those with, care and justice experience, to champion them by voting in the People’s Choice Award. You can do so, and find out more about Inside Out here.
Ruth Kerracher, Youth Justice Participation Lead (Staf/CYCJ) Youth Justice Voices said: “I am absolutely delighted that Inside Out have shortlisted for the Pioneering Project Award. We’ve worked hard over the past three years to ensure that our projects at Youth Justice Voices are led by the needs, interests and aspirations of care and justice experienced young people. Thanks to our partnership with Barnardo’s youth work team we have been able to provide both a safe space and platform for young people to have their voices heard and acted on within and outwith HMPYOI Polmont. We are incredibly proud of the boys and young men who make Inside Out what it is. They have worked really hard as a group to come up with unique ideas to support their peers during lockdown, to learn about their rights and to influence policy and practice. I have no doubt that they will continue to speak out about issues within the care and justice systems for children and young people.”
Fiona Dyer, Director of CYCJ, added: “It is wonderful to see the hard work of Inside Out being recognised through these prestigious awards – especially given how recently the group was formed. At CYCJ, participation is a major part of what we do, yet it is groups like this that really bring the theory to life. We are proud to work with these inspiring and courageous young people, and look forward to seeing what Inside Out does next!”
Following two years of restrictions and online ceremonies, the 2022 Scottish Charity Awards winners will be announced on June 15 at a glittering awards ceremony hosted by BBC’s Sally Magnusson at Glasgow’s Crowne Plaza hotel.
Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive of SCVO, said: “The Scottish Charity Awards are a unique opportunity to celebrate the fantastic work of charities, community organisations and social enterprises across Scotland. The entries this year are as fabulous as ever and the 44 finalists come in all shapes and sizes. Every one of them is making a huge difference – they make Scotland a better place to live and I’m very much looking forward to meeting them in June. This is your chance to vote for your favourite in the People’s Choice Award, so please offer your support.”
You can find out more about the project and how to vote here.
To view the full list of finalists, visit the SCVO website.