Wishaw restorative justice scheme wins praise
Jun 14, 2010
from Graham Miller's article in Wishaw Press:
A Wishaw restorative justice project has received an accolade at the first Scottish Community Service Awards held recently in Glasgow.
The market garden project, which is based on farmland in Netherton, was commended in the skills building category.
It has been running for four years and was the brainchild of community service works supervisor Bobby Campbell.
It teaches offenders skills including team work, hard landscaping, working machinery and learning all aspects of growing fruit and vegetables, as well as good life-changing skills.
And it has become apparent that these skills are being passed down to offender’s families, with many who have worked at the garden now growing vegetables at home.
To date, the project has produced over 20 tonnes of delicious, organic fruit and vegetables which have been distributed to those in need, charities and the elderly.
Works supervisor Sandy Gemmell told the Wishaw Press: “Since its inception, the market garden has been a huge success. Indeed, many of the people we’ve had here on community service come back to help out on a voluntary basis once their order is complete.
“I’d go as far as to say that it’s become a real labour of love for some. It offers a new interest which can be therapeutic and gives those on community service an opportunity to reflect on their actions.”
Restorative Practice