A powerful exhibition sharing first-hand stories from people whose lives have been touched by Scotland’s justice system will open at Mareel on Tuesday 26 August.
Second Chancers, brought to Shetland through a partnership between Shetland Islands Council, Shetland Arts, and Community Justice Scotland, explores how community sentencing can change lives and strengthen communities.
The exhibition features eight striking portrait stories, each accompanied by an audio interview, with additional video content available online. These personal accounts explore themes of hope, aspiration, and change, alongside the challenges people have faced. They are told by individuals with direct experience of Scotland’s justice system — including those who have broken the law, victims, and professionals working in justice.
The exhibition has previously toured locations across Scotland including Aberdeen, Glasgow, Dundee, Stirling, Edinburgh, Ayrshire, and East Lothian.
Second Chancers gives a voice to people who have served a sentence in the community, and turned their lives around. It aims to raise awareness of community justice and build confidence in it as a sentencing option that reduces offending, lowers victimisation, and helps people rebuild their lives. Research shows that community-based sentences are often more effective than short-term prison terms. They help people tackle issues like addiction, mental health or housing while still taking responsibility for their actions.
Susan Laidlaw, Chair of the Shetland Community Justice Partnership, said: “The Shetland Community Justice Partnership promotes a community based approach to justice including reducing offending and re-offending, supporting the victims of crime, challenging stigma and aiming for a safer community for everyone
“This exhibition gives a rare chance to hear directly from people whose lives have been changed by community justice, and from those who work alongside them. It’s honest, sometimes challenging, but above all it shows that change is possible. I’d encourage everyone to come along, listen to the stories and see the difference this approach can make for individuals and the whole community.”
Natasha Pile, Community Justice Scotland, added: “We’re grateful to Shetland Community Justice Partnership and Shetland Arts for hosting the Second Chancers exhibition. These stories give visitors a chance to see how community sentences can positively impact people’s lives and strengthen communities across Scotland. The evidence shows that community-based sentences can help prevent people from breaking the law again which leads to fewer victims and safer communities.”
The exhibition is open to the public during Mareel’s regular opening hours, and entry is free.
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• The Shetland Community Justice Partnership brings together local agencies, services, and community groups to deliver a community-based approach to justice. Its work focuses on reducing offending and reoffending, supporting victims of crime, challenging stigma, and promoting rehabilitation, with the aim of building a safer and more inclusive Shetland for everyone.
• All Second Chancers audio and video available at: Second Chancers - Community Justice Scotland
• Community Justice Scotland is a national public body focused on preventing people breaking the law – using the evidence around what works to stop people getting involved in crime as well as reducing reoffending.
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