Sisco

18/06/2026

Watching Episode 3 of Inside Barlinnie just reinforced something I've known for a long time.

Governor Mick Stoney is an absolute legend.

In a system where it's easy to focus on what's gone wrong in someone's life, he has always had the ability to look deeper. He sees the poverty, the disadvantage, the trauma, the addiction, and all the things that shape people's journeys long before they ever walk through the prison gates. But more importantly, he sees the person.

He genuinely believes in rehabilitation, not as a buzzword, but as something that happens through connection, compassion, education, opportunity, and treating people with dignity. He understands that people are often carrying far more than their conviction, and that change becomes possible when someone feels seen, heard, and valued.

It's why I'll continue to seek his advice, guidance, and mentorship. Over the years, he has never served me a wrong meal. His leadership is grounded in humanity, honesty, and a genuine desire to see people do better and be better.

I also want to acknowledge Lisa and Debs, two outstanding officers who embody everything that's good about the Scottish Prison Service. Their compassion, professionalism, and ability to connect with people never go unnoticed. The difference they make, often behind the scenes, can have a lasting impact on someone's life.

People like Governor Mick Stoney, Lisa, and Debs remind us that real change doesn't happen through punishment alone. It happens through relationships, belief, and giving people the opportunity to write a different ending to their story.

Thank you, Governor, for seeing the person behind the prison number.

Scottish Prison Service

17/06/2026

Violence is not a solution to social grievance.

Please read this important article from our friend Will at the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit ❤️

(Pictured Above) Will Linden, Deputy Head of Scottish Violence Reduction Unit Last week, Scotland witnessed a deeply concerning escalation of targeted hostility and violence against minority ethnic communities. Perpetrated under the cynical guise of “protecting white lives,” this flashpoint was ...

16/06/2026

There are three things I know for sure.
First, I know there is a broken system because I've lived within it. I've experienced the gaps, the failures, and the consequences when people are left without the support they need.

Second, I know that every struggle I faced had a purpose. The trauma, the addiction, the setbacks, and the battles I fought gave me a perspective I could never have learned from a textbook. They showed me what needs to change and gave me the determination to help create something better.

Third, I know that God didn't bring me through all those difficulties by accident. He prepared me for this work. He gave me the experiences, resilience, and voice to stand up, speak out, and challenge what isn't working.

As James Docherty says, there are two things in this world: power and force.

The system is the force.
We are the power.

Our job is to stay in our power. To challenge old narratives. To question what no longer serves people. To push for better solutions. To create opportunities where none existed before.

That's why I sometimes burn out.
That's why I exhaust myself.
That's why I continue to put my head above the parapet.

Not because it's easy.
Not because I want recognition.

But because I know for sure that I was put here to do this.

And if sharing my story, challenging the status quo, and standing alongside others helps even one person find hope, then every battle has been worth it.

04/06/2026

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Celtic FC and, in particular, the Celtic FC Foundation for hosting such a wonderful Celebration Dinner Dance.

The evening was an opportunity to celebrate not only the partnership between the Celtic Foundation and Sisco, but also the incredible journeys of every participant who has been involved over the years. It was a chance to reflect on growth, resilience, recovery, and the power of community.

This is a partnership we hope will continue long into the future because we know, without doubt, that football has an important role to play in challenging stigma. The labels often attached to people experiencing addiction and recovery. Words like "ju**ie" and "alkie"have no place in today's society. Everyone deserves dignity, respect, and the opportunity to be seen for who they are, not for the challenges they have faced.

Thank you, Tony, Donna-Maire and everyone on the front line and behind the scenes for helping to create a safe and welcoming space where people can simply be themselves, discover their strengths, and build a new future. Providing opportunities for people to rewrite their story and become the version of themselves they aspire to be is something truly special.

Together, we are proving that recovery, inclusion, and hope can thrive when communities come together 💚

27/05/2026

What makes our work at Sisco easier is the incredible relationships we’ve built over the last 10 years of working within criminal justice. The trust and respect we share with prison officers, police officers, frontline managers, Heads of Offender Outcomes, governors, and deputy governors has been fundamental to the growth of Sisco and the impact we’re able to make within residential environments.

Today was a heartwarming day as we welcomed two of our favourite officers from HMP Low Moss, Kevin and Ryan. Two of the good guys. Two men who truly see recovery for what it is, who understand the importance of therapeutic interventions, and who allow us to hold safe spaces where men can be accountable, reflect, and begin to look at the best versions of themselves.

We just want to say a massive thank you to Kevin and Ryan for continuing to give us your time, your support, and for aligning so naturally with the values of recovery.

This is what makes it work ⚖️✨️

Scottish Prison Service

20/05/2026

I know the opinions of many may be swayed by this post, but I want us to really think about something.

Sisco has been embedded in criminal justice for the past 10 years, trying to help create better systems of care.

Our prisons were designed to accommodate 7,805 people. Yet today, we are warehousing 8,587 residents.

At what point do we step back and say: this is no longer acceptable?

I understand that when people commit offences, there must be consequences. In some cases, prison is necessary. But at what point does punishment become the removal of basic human rights?

With prison populations at record highs, there is very little space for meaningful therapeutic work. That means one of two things often happens:

People leave prison without the intervention, support or rehabilitation needed to help them unlearn harmful behaviours.

Or people are delayed from progressing through parole or national top end because the system does not have the resources to support their rehabilitation.

That is not the fault of prison staff. It is the result of a system that is under-resourced, overcrowded and stretched beyond what is safe or humane.

Too many people enter prison unable to cope, are exposed to illegal substances, and leave with a drug habit they did not have before. Then the community is left to carry the cost, with resources it also does not have.

At what point do we admit that our current justice system is not working, not for those who cause harm, not for victims, and not for the people working within it?

We’re delighted that Neil Gray has been appointed as Scotland’s Justice Minister, and we truly hope he's willing to do something radical to change this ⚖️
Sisco is more than willing to be at the forefront of that change.

18/05/2026

Another fantastic night at Paradise Recovery Cafe.

We don’t post often about the Recovery Cafe at Celtic Park, because it quietly does exactly what it’s meant to do. It gives people certainty. A safe place. Warm food. Real connection. And the power of lived example.

The beautiful thing is, you don’t have to be a Celtic supporter to attend. We welcome people from clubs all across Scotland, and even some from England. Because recovery, compassion, and human connection are bigger than football colours.

None of this would be possible without the incredible team at the Celtic FC Foundation and the team at Sisco, who work tirelessly every Monday night to make it happen.

Well done to everyone involved for continuing to truly see people.

Let’s keep seeing the pain behind the addiction, not just the addiction itself 💚⚖️✨️

14/05/2026

Something different today for the Sisco troops.
Thanks to the staff at the MackintoshTea Room in Glasgow for opening your doors to our guys and teaching us all things tea ❤️

P.S the cakes were delicious 🍥 ☕️ 🫖