The Aberdeen unit has been awarded the 2014 Social Impact Award by ACVO for the Virtual Visits project (now known as Family Visits by Videolink). There was great support for this award nomination from the Scottish Prison Service, and it has sent its very happy congratulations to the team.
This award is a great reflection on the amount of work and energy each and every staff member in the Aberdeen unit has put into this project in the past 10 months: the unsociable hours, the constant liaison with the prisons and the development of excellent relationships with over 1,500 visitors!
Some feedback from virtual visitors which helped win the award:
“Really useful – a lot easier than travelling”
“It’s so great that I’m being given such support, the people are so nice at Apex and I like coming here.”
“This is a lifeline to relatives, especially for Perth and Barlinnie.”
“Getting up to Peterhead can be hard financially, it makes a big difference.”
“Superb, very friendly and welcoming.”
“I’m glad I can keep in touch with my son and see him face to face.”
“Excellent for those who find it difficult to get to see loved ones.”
“We would like to thank all the staff at Apex for their kindness, helpfulness and professionalism in the arranging of the virtual visits to a friend of ours in Perth Prison. We were made to feel very comfortable.
A friend of ours from Belgium was also very appreciative of the service, as she was only in Aberdeen for a week.
It is an excellent way of keeping family and friends in touch.”
Well done, Aberdeen!
