THE JACOB PROJECT
What is Jacob (Scotland)?
Jacob (Scotland) is an exciting new Scottish development from an existing UK volunteer scheme. It enables vulnerable young people, (16-25), caught in the world of crime, to have a real alternative for their lives. Jacob (Scotland) provides full time volunteering work; supported accommodation; individual pastoral care & support; befriending; for young people ending their sentences at Scotland's Young Offender's Institute. Jacob (Scotland) fills the gap which currently exists in through care.
How do we know Jacob works?
Jacob originates from a Christian volunteering agency, Time for God, based in London. Twelve Scottish young men have now gone through the programme from Polmont Young Offenders Institute, and because of it's success, (currently 100%.None have re-offended), the project is at a stage where it needs to develop a Scottish identity and context, especially as more young men from Polmont wish to participate in the programme. Coordinated by a Christian organization, Jacob welcomes anyone to the scheme.
Who coordinates Jacob (Scotland)?
The new Scottish development (Jacob Scotland) is coordinated by the Iona Community, as part of its overall youth work. As the scheme develops in Scotland, the Iona Commumnity intends introducing the scheme to young women in Corntonvale as well as other male only prisons such as Glenochil.
The Jacob Project is a partnership between Project Scotland, The Scottish Prison Service and Church of Scotland Parish Development Fund.
