Glasgow City Council has launched a mobile app as part of the effort to reduce re-offending.
It said the Let’s Get Connected app is mainly for use by community justice professionals in directing people to organisations to support but can also be used by the public.
It was commissioned by Community Justice Glasgow, part of the Glasgow Community Planning Partnership, developed with the Glasgow Girls Club – which supports women and girls who have come out of the criminal justice system – and has been trialed by social workers, Police Scotland and the Scottish Prison Service.
The app directs users to a wide range of community groups and local services offering support and advice on issues such as trauma, poverty, mental health, addition, unemployment, homelessness and adverse childhood experiences.
It lists hundreds of public services and third sector groups.
Trauma and addiction
Councillor Jen Layden, Glasgow’s convener for equalities and human rights, said: "Sadly many people who come into contact with the justice system have suffered trauma or have mental health or addiction problems. Evidence and experience shows that if they are connected to positive influences in their community and receive the support they need at an early stage, they are more likely to pursue positive paths.
"If we address the underlying issues which can lead to offending, we can reduce the risk of people coming into contact with the justice system as well as lowering the risk of repeat offending. This new free app offers easy access to a wealth of community based support."
