Upside is a national throughcare service, available in all parts of Scotland. Throughcare provides people in short-term custody or remand with the practical and emotional support they need to transition to community life.

The service is voluntary and will address any issues the individual may have on release, such as help with health, housing, finance, skills and employment. Importantly, Upside can also connect people with family support if required.

As well as helping with immediate challenges, Upside will also establish the long-term support(s) required to rebuild lives with dignity and purpose.

Upside is funded by the Scottish Government and delivered by Sacro, Access to Industry, Action for Children, Apex Scotland, Barnardo’s, Circle, Families Outside and Turning Point Scotland. Each partner brings a unique expertise to the service which will function with a unified approach.

Upside throughcare support is available to people serving a custodial sentence of four years or less, or remanded in custody. The service is available to people in Scotland only, regardless of age or gender.

People can interact with Upside from when they first enter custody. They will be signed up 12 weeks before liberation, or as soon as possible if on remand. They will receive support from Upside for up to 12 months in the community.

People are at the centre of all that we do. This means the people we support and the people who work for us. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion are values respected by everyone in Upside. This includes the agencies we work with, and any we may refer you to. Everyone who comes into contact with Upside will have their own needs, challenges and goals. Identifying and understanding these elements is key to providing person-centred support, tailored to each individual.

Upside is delivered in every prison and CCU throughout Scotland and in every Local Authority, including the Highlands and Islands. Support is delivered on an outreach basis and tailored to the needs of the individual.