Cafe run by former offenders could be a recipe to reduce violence

Humza Yousaf

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf today opened the new Street & Arrow project, in partnership with NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, giving former offenders a route back to employment and stable lives.

Speaking ahead of a parliamentary debate on violence reduction this afternoon, Mr Yousaf said the opening of the café marked Scotland’s journey over the last decade to reduce violent crime.

He said: “Back in the day many victims of knife violence and serious assault would end up in the Glasgow Dental Hospital to have the damage done to them repaired by specialist surgeons. Now, instead of getting stitched up in hospital, those previously involved in crime are there for a job and the support they need to get back on their feet. It shows how times have changed.”

Street and Arrow was developed from the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit, established in 2008 as part of Scotland’s public health approach to tackling violence – recently recognised by the World Economic Forum. The unit has received over £12 million of Scottish government funding.

Director of the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit, Niven Rennie, said: “Street & Arrow dishes out more than just good food, it also serves up second chances for people who want to change their lives and break free from the cycle of violence. The best form of health care is prevention and the Glasgow Dental School and Hospital are helping to stop the revolving door of violence in our A&Es by giving people hope and opportunity.

“Scotland’s focus on the public health approach to violence is world-leading and is increasingly being replicated by countries across the globe. Working together Scotland has shown that violence is preventable.”

Gary Jenkins, director of regional services, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “As a board, we are committed to supporting people who can face barriers to gaining employment. Not only does this partnership provide an excellent opportunity for us to help job seekers; it is also providing a fantastic new café for our patients and staff at the Dental Hospital. It is already proving very popular thanks to the very high standard of catering and I’m sure it’s popularity will only continue to grow.”

Callum, who successfully completed a year with Street & Arrow and was kept on as a trainee mentor, said: “Street and Arrow gave me hope in the future. I’m now a mentor helping guys just like myself and it is the most rewarding thing I have ever done. The ripple effect from the SVRU helping me is massive, my family get the benefits, my community, I’m no longer a drain on the NHS or in prison. Everyone at the SVRU has helped me get to a place I never thought was possible where I have peace in my life.”