Please check out our brand new animations. Real voices, real stories, real people ❤️

Next Chapter Scotland@nextchapterscotland.org.uk · 9mo ago

🎥 Today we’re releasing four new short animations created with @mediaco-op.bsky.social sharing real experiences of isolation, fear, stigma, and hope when navigating the justice system. 💛 Support, not stigma. 👇 The films are in the thread below.

🎥 Brand Film There are 12.5 million people in the UK with a criminal record. Behind every number is a person, a family and a future. Everyone deserves the chance to turn the page.

🎥 Stigma A sentence ending doesn’t mean life goes back to normal. This film highlights the barriers created by stigma and the strength found in community and lived experience.

🎥 Fear The fear of the unknown can take over but hearing from someone who has been there can help show the way through.

🎥 Isolation When everything feels overwhelming and you don’t know who to turn to, one conversation can make you feel understood and less alone.

🎥 Today we’re releasing four new short animations created with @mediaco-op.bsky.social sharing real experiences of isolation, fear, stigma, and hope when navigating the justice system. 💛 Support, not stigma. 👇 The films are in the thread below.

✨✨✨Please share ✨✨✨ This course is one of a kind! People who have a conviction for a sexual offence face the most extreme form of stigma. This training course can help them to survive the storm.

Next Chapter Scotland@nextchapterscotland.org.uk · 11mo ago

👉 Been convicted of a sexual offence? You’re not alone. Our new online training, Surviving the Storm, is built by people who’ve been there. Learn your rights, understand the system, and rebuild your future with confidence. ℹ️ Details here: www.nextchapterscotland.org.uk/training

When people speak out about their own lived experience of the criminal justice system, whether that be as a person convicted of a crime or a victim of crime - NO-ONE should be subjected to death or rape threats. People are entitled to call for change without fear of vigilantism.

To join Scottish sex workers in opposing further criminalisation under the Nordic Model; - follow Scotland4Decrim on Instagram - if you’re based in Scotland, use our email your MSP tool to demand they oppose the proposed Nordic Model: t.co/DOkwW8dQoa

Sometimes doing a lot of campaigning for sex work decriminalisation is pretty hard work. Other times, your opponents are like this… Anyway, everyone go and follow @scotland4decrim on Instagram to support sex workers fighting for their safety, health, and human rights! 💪

The Herald@heraldscotland.bsky.social · last yr.

Asked about concerns her bill could drive prostitution to an unregulated and underground system, she said: "If you even think for one second, you cannot possibly drive prostitution underground. "If you had a lot of women in underground cellars with a locked door, how would the punters get to them?"

Follow @scotland4decrim on Instagram (no BlueSky account yet!) to support sex workers in Scotland organising for their rights, against Ash Regan’s bill and in favour of full decrim. Language isn’t the issue - it’s the material consequences for sex workers. Criminalisation endangers sex workers.

The National@scotnational.bsky.social · last yr.

Is the Scottish Government serious about reducing prostitution, or do they want a thriving 'sexual services' sector? Shona Craven asks ✍️ Read the full article here: www.thenational.scot/politics/251...

For more about the #spycops public inquiry, see our FAQ campaignopposingpolicesurveillance.com/2020/01/29/u...

UCPI FAQ: The Spycops Public Inquiry

What you need to know about the public inquiry into undercover political policing - dates, venue, who gives evidence & when it will end

campaignopposingpolicesurveillance.com

“We can’t have foreign-funded broadcasters poisoning the national conversation with these ugly lies. Ofcom needs to say ‘Stop’.”

LGBTQ+ groups call on Ofcom to sanction GB News over homophobic broadcast

“We can’t have foreign-funded broadcasters poisoning the national conversation with these ugly lies. Ofcom needs to say ‘Stop’.”

leftfootforward.org

Remember, if you work for a charity and would like some free copies of my (very beautifully illustrated!!!) children’s book for your service users, please reach out.

Sensational headlines cause real harm. We’ve seen it. We’ve lived it. Here’s why we’ll always stand by people with lived experience — not tabloid shame. #SupportNotStigma #NextChapterScotland

Please donate if you can. The more resource we have, the more people we can reach.

Next Chapter Scotland@nextchapterscotland.org.uk · last yr.

We're a small charity doing big things 💛 At Next Chapter Scotland, we stand with people navigating life after a conviction — with advice, support & zero judgement. If you believe in second chances, help us grow: 🔗 www.nextchapterscotland.org.uk/donate #SupportSecondChances #NextChapterScotland

Thankfully I’m still sunning myself 🌅

Next Chapter Scotland@nextchapterscotland.org.uk · last yr.

🟡 Our helpline is back open! 📞 We’re working through a backlog after last week’s closure. 💬 If you’ve messaged us, please know we’re on it — and we truly appreciate your patience. 💛 We’re here, just catching up. 🔗 nextchapterscotland.org.uk/contact #SupportNotStigma #NextChapterScotland #WeHearYou

🟡 Our helpline is back open! 📞 We’re working through a backlog after last week’s closure. 💬 If you’ve messaged us, please know we’re on it — and we truly appreciate your patience. 💛 We’re here, just catching up. 🔗 nextchapterscotland.org.uk/contact #SupportNotStigma #NextChapterScotland #WeHearYou

🌈 We’re proud to stand with LGBTQ+ communities this Pride month — especially those impacted by the justice system. At Next Chapter Scotland, we believe in fighting for human rights, dignity, and inclusion for everyone. No one should face barriers because of who they are. 🖤💛 #Pride2025

If you work for a charity and would like some free copies of my book, to give to people you support, please reach out. www.herewithyoubook.co.uk

One of the team at @nextchapterscotland.org.uk is a freelance social media whiz. If you’re looking to support people with experience of the criminal justice system and you need some social media support, please reach out to Mark at: mark@nextchapterscotland.org.uk

Before the inevitable tabloid headlines kick in - here's a blog I've written explaining the background to my new children's book: www.nextchapterscotland.org.uk/blog/not-a-monster-a-mum To buy the book, visit: www.herewithyoubook.co.uk @nextchapterscotland.org.uk #criminalrecord #selfcompassion

'Here, with you' | Next Chapter Scotland

'Here, with you' a story to support parents to talk to their children about events in their past that still impact on their lives today, bringing love, openness and compassion to the conversation.

nextchapterscotland.org.uk

I'm ridiculously excited to say that I have published a book to help parents talk to their children about choices they've made in their past that still impact on their lives today, bringing love, openness and compassion to the conversation. You can buy the book now: www.herewithyoubook.co.uk

Just been to a showing of the brilliant Censoring Palestine. If you haven’t seen it, I really recommend finding out where you can watch it! youtu.be/hJCxfDwoVjY?...

Censoring Palestine trailer

YouTube video by platform films

youtu.be

For the last few months we have been working with the wonderful www.heartinmouth.org. It's not been an easy task to work out how best to communicate the messages of @nextchapterscotland.org.uk, yet Ishbel has been an incredible guide, sounding board and critical friend all wrapped into one!

Today and every day

In a new study published in the Journal of Criminal Justice today, we find that solitary confinement is associated with increased risk of return to prison. Long periods of solitary confinement are associated with a 15 to 25% increase in re-imprisonment rates. www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...

☎️ Our #CallToConnect campaign aims to ensure people in prison stay connected to loved ones: shorturl.at/GIyK0 Research from Swansea University finds prison-leavers often don’t have phones or consistent WIFI, impacting access to essential services supporting rehabilitation. shorturl.at/BjOLu

Bridging the digital divide: Swansea researchers uncover barriers facing ex-offenders in Wales

A new study has revealed how being cut off from using digital technology is creating additional obstacles for people with criminal histories in Wales, limiting their ability to access vital support se...

shorturl.at

If you've been effected by early release - this one's for you! Vox Liminis are hosting songwriting sessions the 21st and 22nd May.