Seasonal gift ideas produced by individuals subject to reparative Unpaid Work in the Scottish Borders will be on sale at two Christmas markets in December.
Our Justice Services Unpaid Work Team will be available at:
- Kelso Square, Sunday 4 December, 11am-3pm
- Abbotsford House, Saturday 17 December, 10am-4pm.
All proceeds from sales will be donated to local charities including the Lavender Touch, Cash for Kids and Heads Together.
The events are part of the wide range of projects being undertaken by the team across the Borders, working with:
- not-for-profit organisations
- charities
- community groups
- social enterprises.
Other examples of the work carried out include:
- the manufacture of items such as picnic tables, planters, benches and items for schools
- upkeep and construction of paths and fences
- helping community groups with community gardens and allotment sites
- assisting with community responses to weather events such as flooding and snow clearing.
All the work is carried out by people who have been given a community payback order with unpaid work by the court, to enable them to make reparation to local communities. All project and other work is fully supervised and completed to required community payback and health and safety requirements.
Councillor Tom Weatherston, Executive Member for Social Work and Community Enhancement
“Community payback with unpaid work can provide offenders with routine and structure to their lives and can give them experience of following instructions and working as part of a team. This can help change their behaviour and at the same time pay back a debt to the community in a highly visible way.
“Taking part in the Christmas markets is just one of the wide range of projects that have been co-ordinated by our Justice Services team for offenders this year, with the proceeds from any sales going to three worthy charities. I would encourage anyone attending either of the markets to make sure they visit the team’s stand so they can see the quality of work being produced for themselves.
“The markets are also an ideal opportunity for people to have a chat to the team if they have a project they think might be suitable for the unpaid work programme to support, as they are always keen to hear about new opportunities.
“If you’re not able to attend but would like to find out more about how the programme could potentially benefit you or your community, please get in touch with the team directly for more information.”
More information
To find out more, visit the unpaid work pages of our website. The team can also be contacted at: CJSWScottishBorders@scotborders.gov.uk or on 01896 664140.
Images of the products for sale and other projects undertaken by the team are available on our Flickr page.
For more information about the work of the three charities being donated to visit: