Connect to Community works with men and women leaving prison across Scotland, supporting them to integrate into their local community.
Reintegration Coordinator, David McAdam, spoke with Andy* to tell the story of Bethany’s impact in his life.
“Prison became a positive turning point for Andy. Serious engagement with the chaplain helped him to find a new sense of identity…”
Andy grew up in the North East of Scotland. He faced significant childhood challenges: his parents separated when he was young and his step-dad brought numerous challenges into the home. When Andy was in his teens, his mum was imprisoned for misuse of drugs, leaving Andy in supported accommodation. The insecurity of his surroundings contributed to profound anxiety as he grew up.
Despite these troubled beginnings, Andy strived to improve his options. He got a job in a local grocery store and progressed through the ranks, gaining several promotions for his good work.
The course of his life changed when he was arrested, charged and convicted for something he had done while in supported accommodation as a teenager. He received a lengthy custodial sentence.
Prison became a positive turning point for Andy. Serious engagement with the chaplain helped him to find a new sense of identity in the Christian faith, and he pursued academic studies rigorously. He enrolled on an Open University degree and completed the first half of the qualification while in prison.
Keen to build on these foundations, the chaplain connected him with Bethany support for his release and, in June 2024, a Connect to Community worker collected Andy at the prison gate and drove him to his new home – a completely new and remote village, where he knew no one. From the day of his release, Andy was very isolated.
Connect to Community contacted a small church in the local community, where a man named Keith* volunteered to mentor Andy. Keith spent time with him every week and made arrangements with Andy’s social worker for him to attend suitable activities at the church.
“It’s been a joy to support Andy and see him blossom in the community.”
This local support ensured Andy was embedded in a community that could help with day-to-day things like socialising and furnishing his flat.
From this secure base, Andy is building a new life: he has secured employment in a local farm; he is teaching himself to play the piano; and he will soon complete his degree. His confidence has grown, and he has got involved in a social activities in the village.
“It’s been a joy to support Andy and see him blossom in the community. He is coping well with a job and his Open University studies. He is easy to work with and very willing to be accountable and really enjoys the fellowship of the church family.” – Keith
Connect to Community helped Andy to navigate the journey between prison and life in a new community, to make the step from benefits to paid employment, to engage with physical and mental health services, and to find security and stability.
“‘Stability’ means ‘long lasting’, as in a job, friendship or relationship… and also being settled in an area without any problems. ‘Security’ means being safe around people you know and knowing they won’t leave you. It’s about gaining people’s trust and also trusting them.
Connect to Community staff have been respectful, knowledgeable, very helpful, and friendly. They are caring and determined to help people turn their lives round.
To me, ‘home’ means family, support, happiness, safety, memories and something that is long-lasting” – Andy
* Both Andy and Keith’s names have been changed to protect their identites.