People from across Moray came together this week to see first-hand how community justice helps people rebuild their lives while giving something back to local communities.
Moray Community Justice Partnership welcomed guests to an open day at its outdoor learning space in Elgin on Wednesday (1 July), bringing together people currently or previously involved with justice services, members of partner organisations and community representatives.
The learning space project, managed by Moray Health & Social Care Partnership (HSCP), showcased how community-based justice benefits both individuals and the wider community.
Visitors explored the polytunnel, gardens, workshop and outdoor areas, meeting Justice Services staff and participants who are actively involved in the project.
As well as developing teamwork, responsibility and practical skills through gardening, woodworking and caring for the project’s hens at “Cluckingham Palace”, participants also grow fresh produce for local organisations, including Moray Food Plus, Moray Women’s Aid and Elgin Youth Café.
Guests heard how Community Payback Orders and other community justice interventions help people learn new skills, build confidence and establish positive routines that support them to move their lives forward.
Community Payback Orders are imposed by the courts as an alternative to custody, giving people the opportunity to repay their communities while addressing the reasons behind their offending. Evidence shows that community-based interventions are more effective than short prison sentences at reducing reoffending, helping people make lasting changes while creating safer communities.
Jillian Geddes, Chair of the Moray Community Justice Partnership and Justice Services Manager, said: “Community Payback Orders are about much more than completing unpaid work. They give people the opportunity to take responsibility for their actions, address their behaviour and make positive changes in their lives.
“Projects like our polytunnel and workshop create opportunities for people to build confidence, gain skills and give something back to their local communities.”
During the open day, visitors also learned about the wide range of support available through justice services, including unpaid work, youth justice, men’s and women’s groupwork programmes, and voluntary throughcare support for people leaving prison.
Ainya Taylor, Community Justice Co-ordinator, said: “Events like this help people see and hear what community justice really looks like and understand the positive difference it can make. They show how, with the right support and opportunities, people can make lasting changes and contribute positively to their communities.
“Community justice is about preventing further offending, supporting rehabilitation and creating safer communities. Hearing directly from people with lived experience, alongside our staff and partners, helps us continue to shape services that are meaningful, responsive and focused on what works.”
The event also highlighted the progress made by the Upside voluntary throughcare service, which has now been supporting people in Moray for more than a year. At its launch event in 2025, people with lived experience asked to hear how the service had developed once it was established. The open day provided that opportunity, allowing guests to hear directly from local staff about the difference it is making.
Rose McConnachie, Community Justice Scotland Improvement Lead, said: “Moray understands community justice. It’s about much more than delivering justice services – it’s about partners and communities working together to make sure people get the support they need to make positive changes and live safe, healthy lives.
“I’ve been particularly impressed by Moray’s commitment to involving people in shaping its approach, driving improvement and making sure services work for everyone.”
The open day formed part of Moray Community Justice Partnership and Moray HSCP’s ongoing work to raise awareness of community justice. It provided an opportunity to demonstrate how partnership working and innovative, evidence-based approaches support rehabilitation, reduce reoffending and create positive outcomes for individuals and communities across Moray.
Moray Health & Social Care Partnership Communications
