Sisco

04/03/2026

In all the times I’ve written posts, today, probably for the first time, I struggled to start this one. Not because I didn’t know what to say, but because today was one of the most heartwarming days I’ve had in a long time.

A day that showed courage, compassion, and some of the most genuine and authentic frontline workers I have ever met in this field.

A massive, massive thank you to all of the team at Corra for continuing to do outstanding work across Scotland and for helping frontline workers be radical and brave in the work that we do. Knowing that we continue to have you as an anchor of support has meant the world to Sisco.

Our day began with a great opening from Maree Todd minister for drugs and alcohol, policy and sport, who set the tone for the day by recognising the importance of frontline services and the people who show up every day to support others through some of the most difficult moments in their lives.

We then had fantastic introductions from the Corra Foundation, followed by an excellent panel including Tracey McFall from the Scottish Recovery Consortium, David Brockett from Phoenix Futures, Steph McCutcherson, and others. The discussions were warm, honest and refreshing, exploring both what we are getting right and what still needs to get better.

We were then treated to an outstanding performance from In Cahoots Drama, brilliant, funny, engaging and politically sharp in all the right ways.

The workshops that followed were equally inspiring. A particularly memorable moment was the creative session with Titch, building LEGO together. It might sound simple, but the creativity, the connection and the conversations that came from simply building together were fantastic.

We also had the privilege of hearing from Professor Alan Miller about the Charter of Human Rights and the importance of getting this right.

And finally, the awards recognising the incredible dedication of frontline workers.

We were absolutely delighted that our own wee community manager, Gemma, received one of these awards in recognition of the outstanding work she has continued to do, pre-COVID, during COVID, and right through to today. We are incredibly proud of her.

What a fantastic day celebrating all things Corra.

Thank you to Corra and to all the partners and networks who attended today. We had such a great day networking, discussing, sharing good practice, exchanging ideas, and for some of us, simply sharing email addresses.

Days like today remind us why this work matters.

Thank you, Corra ❤️
Corra Foundation Scottish Recovery Consortium In Cahootz Phoenix Futures The Scottish Government South Community Recovery Network - SCRN Admina Nwrc

04/03/2026

Good luck to our Gemma at the Corra Awards today. ✨

Gemma has been nominated for Special Recognition: Front Line Worker, and it couldn’t be more deserved.

Anyone who knows Gemma will know she is one of the most authentic, compassionate, and caring people you could ever meet. She shows up for people with honesty, heart, and a genuine commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

We are all behind you today, G. No matter what happens, this recognition already says so much about the impact you have on the people around you.

Good luck, Gemma, we’re all rooting for you. 💛

03/03/2026

Half a hunner and still a stunner 🎂
Happy 50th birthday to our life saving senior mentor Gillian ❤️ We love you Gilly bobs 💖

27/02/2026

What enviroment do you want your kids to thrive in ❤️

27/02/2026

Shout out to Mark and the ADRS for today's networking event.

Collaboration is key ⚖️

25/02/2026

Happy 39th Birthday to our Big Prison Manager, Kevin Coyne

Our big wingman.

The man all the women in the organisation depend on (whether he likes it or not 😉).
Thank you for your steady presence, your graft, your loyalty, and the way you always show up for the team. You hold space, you step up, and you carry a lot, often without fuss.
We appreciate you more than you know.

With all the love and respect in the world,
Your Sisco family ❤️

23/02/2026

It’s not what we say, it’s what we do, that has always been our mantra at Sisco.

We can stand on platforms and stages and speak about change, or we can actively go out and create it. For us, actions will always speak louder than words.
Tonight the men and women got to enjoy a night at Golf it - just being normal, being human, and experiencing something many of them never had the opportunity to growing up.
It’s important to feed the inner child, because for many of us, that part was starved for far too long. Giving people the chance to laugh, connect, and simply exist without labels is powerful. It restores something.
So thank you again to the Celtic FC Foundation for continuing to do visible, meaningful work alongside Sisco. It does not go unappreciated.

Actions over words. Always ⚖️

23/02/2026

We are absolutely delighted to announce that Sisco has been successful in securing funding from the Corra Foundation’s Hardship Fund.

Sisco has been awarded £15,000 to help us continue supporting members of our local community in Springburn.

This funding will allow us to provide practical, immediate support to individuals and families facing hardship. This may include:

● Purchasing essential household items such as a new bed or cooker

● Providing clothing grants

● Assisting with gas and electricity top-ups

● Supporting individuals in isolation with shopping or contributing towards essential groceries

At a time when so many in our community are facing significant financial pressures, this funding enables us to respond quickly and compassionately to real, everyday needs.

It is always a privilege to be in a position where we can support our local community, particularly in an area that continues to experience some of the highest levels of poverty and disadvantage in Scotland.

A massive thank you to the Corra Foundation for believing in Sisco and in the work we do within our Springburn community. Your support will make a tangible difference to the lives of those who need it most.

19/02/2026

Therapeutic Thursdays with the community crew ⚖️✊️✨️

Its not what we say, its what we do!

13/02/2026

Decades apart in age, yet born from the same scheme, the same housing estate.
Different timelines, different chapters, but always destined to meet.

Trauma brought these two men together. And while trauma bonds often get a bad name, this is what a healthy trauma bond looks like: dependable, grounded, full of love, kindness and compassion. A relationship where honesty lives, where accountability matters, and where growth is non-negotiable.

Big Coyney has always stayed true to who he is: steady, principled, and unafraid to hold people to account. That’s exactly what he’s done with Dunky. And in return, the ripple effect of Coyney’s transformation has reached a man almost 30 years his senior. That kind of impact is nothing short of remarkable.

Sisco is more than a charity.
More than a service.
More than an organisation.

We might be small in financial wealth and resources, but we are massive in heart. When people come into our service, they don’t just receive support, they become family. Because empathy and care aren’t things we can switch off. We walk alongside people, through the highs and the hard parts, for as long as it takes.

And what a journey these two have been on.

Coyney you are one of the most incredible big men who has truly turned his life around. Dunky your journey, courage and openness speak volumes. Together, you remind us all that change is real, connection matters, and healing doesn’t follow an age limit.

Well done, troops.
It’s not what we say, it’s what we do.

12/02/2026

Another beautiful Therapeutic Thursday at Sisco.
Huge appreciation for our senior mentor, Kirsty McDonnell whose compassionate spirit continues to shine. Today the troops spent time with Laurent at the Methodist Church, opening up space for reflection, connection, and spiritual guidance as part of their recovery journeys.

Because at Sisco, it’s not what we say, it’s what we do. ✨

Woodlands Methodist Church - Glasgow

06/02/2026

Sisco Statement on the Justice Minister’s Call to Avoid Custodial Sentences Under Two Years
From a Sisco perspective, today’s announcement by the Justice Minister raises serious concern.

The assumption that a custodial sentence of under 24 months is unnecessary is not only misguided but dangerously disconnected from the lived realities of the people we support every day. To suggest that prison serves no purpose for those serving shorter sentences ignores a fundamental truth: for many, prison is the first place of safety they have ever known.

To assume that individuals do not use prison as a place of respite, detoxification, or recovery is deeply flawed. To assume they do not need a short-term removal from chaotic, unsafe environments is, frankly, reckless. Many people returning to custody under 24 months do so because they lack stability, housing, safety, and the ability to self-regulate in the community. These are not people who “don’t need prison”, they are people who have never been given the conditions needed to survive outside it.

We have already seen the catastrophic consequences of poorly planned early releases. These decisions have failed time and time again, often resulting in relapse, harm, and preventable loss of life. Rather than learning from these outcomes, we now appear to be repeating the same pattern under a different name.

We acknowledge the immense pressure facing the Justice Minister and the need to reduce the prison population. However, this approach is the wrong way forward.

At what point do we begin to look instead at men and women who have served substantial sentences? Individuals who have engaged in residential and therapeutic programmes, worked consistently with psychology services, taken responsibility, and demonstrably reduced their risk? At what point do we prioritise the liberation of no-risk prisoners who are ready to safely reintegrate into the community?

Instead, we are proposing to keep those individuals inside, while diverting those who are returning repeatedly under short sentences, people who often have no safe place to go, no understanding of safety itself, and no meaningful support in the community.

From Sisco’s frontline experience, those serving under 24 months often do need prison, not as punishment, but as a stabilising intervention. Many require the containment, structure, and access to support that custody can provide when no viable alternative exists.

We do not believe this policy reflects evidence, trauma-informed practice, or reality on the ground. We urge the Justice Minister, Angela Constance, and the Scottish Government to reconsider this position and meaningfully engage with those working directly with people affected by these decisions.

Reducing numbers cannot come at the cost of safety, dignity, or lives.

Community Justice Scotland The Scottish Government Scottish Recovery Consortium

If recommendations go ahead, judges would have to provide reasons why jailing someone for two years or less was the only option.