Sisco

25/11/2025

To the Scottish Prison Service, who have been one of our main partners for the past ten years. Over this decade, we’ve not only built relationships with the residents across each establishment, but we’ve also established and developed fundamental partnerships with senior management teams and governors. That’s where the real change happens, when we are able to sit together, look honestly at what co-design truly means, and explore what guided mentoring can look like within the walls of such a confined and pressurised environment.

The staff within the Scottish Prison Service do a remarkable job, often understaffed, under-resourced, and frequently without the information they need to fully carry out their roles. Yet they continue, relentlessly, to show up and do their best. We know the system has its flaws; we know mistakes happen. I am not suggesting perfection, but I am acknowledging effort, humanity, and intention. And across the SPS, the staff we work alongside consistently demonstrate dedication to making things better.

So to all the staff at the Scottish Prison Service: thank you.
Thank you for your time, your commitment, and your service.
Thank you for working with us to help rehabilitate the men and women inside these walls, people who deserve the chance to transform their lives and unlock their potential.

Together, we are trying to make Scotland better. And we couldn’t do it without you.

Scottish Prison Service

22/11/2025

The troops out supporting our local team today ❤️ cmon the Partick Thistle ⚽️ 🥅

22/11/2025

Today we had another meaningful conversation with our friends at the University of the West of Scotland, speaking with criminology students about the importance of not only trauma-informed practice, but truly trauma-responsive approaches.

At Sisco, our purpose has always been to align with national policies while filling the gaps in service provision and we do that exceptionally well. It’s encouraging and humbling that our partners and friends across Scottish universities recognise this. Every year, they invite us to speak about lived-experience representation, and what it really means to co-design, co-develop and co-deliver meaningful work within the justice system.

Collaboration across criminal justice services is how we create radical, lasting change.

A huge thank you to Sarah, Jim and the rest of the team at University of the West of Scotland for making us feel welcome, as always.

20/11/2025

How do we bring communities together and make them safer for everyone?
We start by getting rid of the them-and-us mentality. The truth is, in most situations, Police Scotland are there to serve a purpose, to support our community. But right now, many of our most deprived areas are lacking resources, including community spaces where people can simply come together.

Over the past couple of months, after some good banter and ongoing football chat with our local community cop, we’ve come up with something new:

Coffee With a Cop, Fridays at Sisco
This is a chance for anyone, whether you’re part of the young team or from the older generation, to drop in, have a blether, and enjoy a free-flowing, honest conversation. No pressure. No agenda. No daft questions. Just keeping it real.

Communities need communities.
And within those communities, we also need good relationships with our police. We should be looking out for our young team, and the young team should be looking out for the older ones too. This wee Friday drop-in is about exactly that, coming together, breaking down barriers, and seeing what we can offer each other.

Friday 5th December
10am – 1pm
222 Springburn Way
Everyone’s welcome. Come in, grab a tea/coffee, and be part of something positive.

We are hosting Police Scotland’s coffee with a Cop event, and you’re invited!

Come along for an informal chat with local community officers for the Springburn Area and discuss ongoing local issues or any local concerns in the community along with crime prevention and safety advice.

When: Friday - 5th December 2025 – 10am – 1pm
Where: SISCO – 222 Springburn Way – G21 1TS

12/11/2025

Thank you to our Justice Minister, Angela Constance, for meeting with us this morning to discuss the early release scheme and its wider implications for community justice. As always, Angela was warm, open, and facilitated a free-flowing conversation about the current pressures within the justice system and how we can most effectively measure and respond to prison overcrowding.

There will always be criticism around applying short-term solutions to long-term structural issues. The reality, however, is that this is an incredibly complex landscape to navigate. As Justice Minister, Angela Constance can only act within the remit of the Scottish Government. What happens within the courts lies outwith her ministerial reach, making the challenge even more difficult to manage across multiple systems.

As a Chief Executive, it’s invaluable to feel heard and understood, and to be able to share frustrations honestly. Today’s meeting reaffirmed that our work is recognised at Scottish Government level and that our insights and feedback, even when critical, matter.

This post is simply to extend our thanks to Angela Constance and the Scottish Government for continuing to welcome open dialogue with SISCO and for their willingness to engage with constructive feedback as we work together toward meaningful change.
The Scottish Government Community Justice Scotland Scottish Recovery Consortium Scottish Violence Reduction Unit

07/11/2025

A huge thank you to Gavin and the team at Safe as Houses for welcoming Kevin and Dunky along to speak with the residents about Sisco and the opportunities and support available to them should they return to the Glasgow area.

It’s always powerful collaborating with residential rehab services and knowing that the men are continuing to have their needs met beyond the prison environment. This is another great example of how partnership working across multiple organisations can strengthen that journey from custody, into community and support people to achieve their highest potential.

Well done to all the residents for taking their lives back ❤️ we salute you troops.


Scottish Prison Service

30/10/2025

This has got to be one of my favourite photos of the Sisco team in recent weeks and months.

This picture is special for so many reasons. It shows four people who were once on four completely different journeys in life — yet somehow, our paths crossed, and we became one under the banner of Sisco.

Within these friendships, there’s nothing but love, honesty, value, and genuine loyalty. That’s what we do at Sisco. We love each other. We hold one another accountable. We stand up for each other when we’re right. And sometimes — just sometimes — we have to laugh in the face of adversity.

Let me tell you, we’re not all innocent in this picture. Some of us have colourful pasts, others a bit more grey. But today, we give everything back to those still suffering and to our community.

Because sometimes, a picture means more than just a picture❤️

29/10/2025

Did someone say Halloween? 🎃

What an amazing day we had celebrating together! A massive shout-out to our wonderful Senior Mentor, Kirsty McDonnell , for pulling together such a fun-filled Halloween party. From spooky tunes and laughter-filled games to plenty of singing and smiles all around, the atmosphere was incredible. 👻🎶

Thanks Dorry Mac for the balloons and treat boxes 👻🎃

A big thank-you also goes to Tommy for giving up your time to join in the celebrations — your energy always adds something special to our events. And of course, we’re so grateful to all the local shops and supporters who kindly donated treats and prizes to help make the day such a success. Your generosity never goes unnoticed. 💜

Days like this remind us why connection, laughter, and community matter so much. It’s not just about having fun. It’s about creating moments of joy, belonging, and togetherness.

This is how we glow and grow. ✨️

28/10/2025

Congratulations to our wee Kyle Scotland Boxing’s New Development Middleweight Champion! 🥊

Kyle came to us as a kid — broken, wounded, and unsure about his future. But when he stepped into that boxing ring, he carried nothing but certainty. He was confident, sure of himself, in control, and able to regulate.

That’s what recovery offers. It gives us the space to heal, not just physically, but mentally. It allows us to take on challenges like this and come out stronger on the other side.

Please join us in congratulating Kyle. We’re beyond proud of you! 🥇👏

27/10/2025

Thank you to our amazing partners at The Celtic Foundation for a wonderful evening at tonight’s Paradise Recovery Café.

The Café offers an open-door space for anyone looking to get well, connect, and heal from their past and tonight was another fantastic example of that community spirit in action. Participants enjoyed an inspiring tour of Celtic Park, followed by a team photo to round off the night.

A huge thank you again to Celtic FC Foundation for your continued collaboration and support. Together, we can make Scotland a better place for all our communities. 💚

27/10/2025

Our , in partnership with Celtic FC Foundation, takes place at Celtic Park every Monday evening 🍀☕️

This transformative initiative aims to offer a lifeline to those in need, creating a pathway towards recovery 💚

The project offers a welcoming, non-judgmental environment where participants can access a variety of recovery-focused services.

Paradise Recovery Café is open to anyone in need, with no need for prior registration—simply turn up and take the first step toward a brighter future.

20/10/2025

Happy Monday from the troops ⚖️