Community Justice Scotland worked with The Union creative communications agency in Edinburgh to produce the short film explaining how sentences in the community can help stop people reoffending and break the cycle of crime.

Part of the film is shot in Dr Neil’s Garden in Duddingston, Edinburgh, where people sometimes carry out unpaid work as part of community payback orders.

Mairi Clare Rodgers, interim head of communications at Community Justice Scotland, said: “Community justice is one sentencing option that can help people stop breaking the law again leading to fewer victims and safer communities. Yet, research has told us that the majority of the Scottish public do not know what it is.

“That’s why it’s important that we continue to raise awareness of how a community first approach to sentencing can keep Scotland safer and we hope this film will help.

“The evidence shows us that where it’s safe, keeping people connected to their support networks in the community where they can access help to change their offending behaviour can help prevent reoffending.”