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Chamber and committees

Polmont Prison Visitor Centre and Crossreach

  • Submitted by: Angus MacDonald, Falkirk East, Scottish National Party.
  • Date lodged: Thursday, 28 June 2018
  • Motion reference: S5M-13030

That the Parliament recognises what it sees as the important work carried out by Crossreach, the operating name of the Church of Scotland Social Care Council, at HMP Polmont Visitor Centre, which includes the Polmont Family Bus; understands that the service, established in 2014, consists of a centre manager, two centre workers and a team of volunteers, many of whom attend local churches; notes that, since 2014, the visitor centre has engaged with an increasing number of people, from around 830 in 2014 to almost 5,500 in 2017, from all over Scotland, Ireland and England; believes that important connections are made between those in the visitor centre and visitors who have loved ones and friends in Polmont prison; notes that the service includes the provision of information and assistance to seek support through the Assisted Prison Visit scheme, which helps towards the costs associated with travelling to and from prison visits, as well as through listening and being a friendly face to those who need moral support to help them through the difficulties of having someone in prison; recognises that a recent survey found that 100% of those who responded strongly agreed that they felt accepted and respected by the service; commends the work of the volunteers and workers at Polmont Prison Visitor Centre and Family Bus, and looks forward to hearing more about what it sees as this vital work in the future.


Supported by: Tom Arthur, Kenneth Gibson, Jenny Gilruth, Bill Kidd, Monica Lennon, Richard Lyle, Rona Mackay, Gillian Martin, David Torrance, Maureen Watt, Sandra White