No Judgement.
No Catch.
No Downside.

Upside is a national throughcare service, available in all parts of Scotland.

Throughcare provides people in short-term custody or remand with the practical and emotional support they need to transition to community life.

Upside provides people in short-term custody, or remand with the practical and emotional support they need to transition to community life. The service is voluntary and will address any issues they may have as an individual on release like health, housing, finance, skills and employment. Importantly, Upside can also connect people with family support if required.

As well as helping with immediate challenges, Upside will also establish the long-term supports required to rebuild lives with dignity and purpose.

Upside throughcare support is available to people serving a custodial sentence of four years or less or remanded in custody. The service is available to people in Scotland only, regardless of age or gender.

The Partnership

Upside is a Scotland-wide voluntary throughcare service, funded by the Scottish Government and delivered by Sacro, Access to Industry, Action for Children, Apex Scotland, Barnardo’s, Circle, Families Outside and Turning Point Scotland. Each partner brings a unique expertise to the service which will function with a unified approach.

This model has been developed through a collaborative process, drawing on the strengths of each partner organisation and the insights of those who have experienced the challenges of reintegration. It is rooted in co-production, with input from staff, stakeholders, and people with lived experience shaping its design and ensuring it meets the needs of those it supports.
Consistency of delivery is a core principle of this national service. Wherever someone is in Scotland, they will have access to person-centred, trauma-informed support tailored to their unique circumstances. Our approach focuses on meeting people where they are, addressing immediate challenges, and helping them build sustainable futures within their communities.
This partnership reflects not just collaboration within the organisations but also an ambition to build on and strengthen relationships and capacity, through structures such as Community Justice Partnerships and recovery networks, to be able to better respond to population needs at a local level as part of a place-based approach. By working together, we aim to reduce barriers, promote effective reintegration, and support long-term positive outcomes for people and communities alike.