My role within Penumbra’s Angus Justice Wellbeing Service is funded by Angus Alcohol and Drug Partnership. The aim of the role is to support some of the most vulnerable males in society. Referrals for this service come via the Criminal Justice Social Work team, who signpost males living with poor mental health into the Justice Wellbeing Service.

Working within the justice system, you realise that the people you are working with are extremely vulnerable. A large percentage have experienced trauma throughout their lives, whether chronic or acute, and this has had a long‑lasting effect on their wellbeing. The chaos that often surrounds them can lead to substance use disorder, violence, and a life trapped within the criminal justice system. This is why I am delighted that funding has been extended. It gives me the time needed to provide consistency in my support and to offer these men a level of stability that has often never existed for them before.

Having someone who is non‑judgemental, empathetic and supportive is key to recovery. Clients are offered weekly support from someone they trust, who will help them understand the consequences of their past behaviour and support them to address these issues. The feedback I receive from clients is that they do not like having to repeat their life story every time they meet someone new.

Although there has been an improvement in recent years regarding men’s mental health, with the emergence of various media campaigns, the males who access the justice service tend to be more evasive about opening up. This mindset stems from a system where, for many years, they have been judged and stigmatised. There is a significant level of distrust within this client group, resulting in many not reaching out for support until they are facing a crisis. I have found that some clients were initially wary about working with me due to the fact that every male figure in their lives had either abused them, judged them, refused to help them, or sent them to prison. There appears to be a strong association between older males and unresolved trauma.

The Justice Wellbeing Service operates using a trauma‑informed approach, allowing males to regain some control over their recovery through a person‑centred model alongside evidence‑based focused work. The peer support element works particularly well within this service, as I am able to relate to many of the issues clients experience due to my own mental health challenges and my experience with a loved one with problematic drug use. Many clients appreciate me sharing aspects of my lived experience, as it helps to normalise mental health difficulties and reduces the stigma associated with both mental health and substance use.

Looking to the future, I plan to continue improving how I deliver my practice. I recently counted that I have supported over 60 clients through their journey within the justice service. Approximately 60% have either a diagnosis, or a possible undiagnosed presentation, of ADHD or ASD. There is clearly a significant gap in appropriate support for these males. My plan is to develop a more bespoke support pathway that delivers a more neurodiversity‑friendly approach.

To achieve this, I am currently undertaking an ADHD coaching course and plan to complete a Level 3 course in Criminal Psychology. I will work closely with the Neurodiversity Service within Angus, as well as the Criminal Justice Social Work team. I have also received additional resources from Figure 8 Consultancy Services, including neurodiversity toolkits and reports on neurodivergence and substance use disorder.

This project appears fairly daunting; however, I feel passionately about delivering the appropriate level of support to each client, whether neurodivergent or neurotypical. My goal has always been, and continues to be, to support the males I work with to improve their mental wellbeing and stop the cycle of re‑offending.