We are delighted to be introducing a new pilot arrest referral service today (1 June 2020) in partnership with Police Scotland, launching in Dunfermline, Coatbridge, Motherwell and Dundee. This new service now gives individuals being held in police custody the opportunity to be referred directly to Apex’s Steps service, assisting those who have multiple barriers to sustaining a positive lifestyle and employment.
As lockdown restrictions continue, contact with new service users will be by phone while still in custody but can progress to email or video call on their release. Our ability to offer one to one support at this early stage of arrest will first and foremost assist the individual with the prospect of appearing in court. This is followed by sustained mentoring support, regardless of whether or not they go on to receive a sentence. Steps offers individuals an opportunity to choose differently and take proactive steps to change destructive behaviour into positive.
Emma Wilson, Apex’s Depute Director of Operations said, “Ironically, the implementation of this partnership has taken place so swiftly because the majority of Apex services are operating on a remote only basis under lockdown. This has allowed us to offer almost instant, over the phone, support to individuals whilst they are in the police custody suite. Our ambition is that, for many, this on-the-spot access to a mentor, will be both a lifeline in a time of despair and a turning point for future decisions. Apex welcomes the opportunity to offer our services to an additional cohort in the justice system by working alongside colleagues in Police Scotland.”