A Scottish arts charity has been awarded more than £5,000 to support a film and radio group at HMP Barlinnie in Glasgow’s East End.

Creative Change Collective will use the £5,383 funding from the National Lottery’s Community Fund to pay for equipment to produce their own film and radio content at the prison.

Glasgow Times:

Mark MacNicol

Mark MacNicol, project director at Creative Change Collective, said: "This programme is making a huge difference to people trying to turn their lives around in prison and we are delighted to have this support from the National Lottery Community Fund.

"This means we will be able to do more to encourage and support people in prison to learn new skills, develop their confidence and sense of teamwork, and prepare for life outside of prison in a way that makes it less likely they will reoffend.

“We are always looking for new ways to address social issues through the power of the arts and creativity and new partnerships to help us.”

The produced content will be broadcast nationally across other Scottish prisons.

Glasgow Times: Chris Dolan

The charity, who works to reduce offending and reoffending rates, previously worked with crime writer Chris Dolan on a scripted radio play for the group, focused on volunteering opportunities post incarceration.

Creative Change Collective utilises various art forms to facilitate positive change for its members, such as Anonymous Drama, a drama therapy initiative that operates within prisons.

A representative from the Scottish Prison Service said: “We are delighted that Creative Change Collective has been awarded this funding to support the work they do in HMP Barlinnie.

“Drama can play an important role in helping those in our care build confidence, improve their communication skills, and develop relationships with staff and peers.

“We look forward to continuing to work with Creative Change Collective on this exciting production.”