Project passes on life skills to female crooks

Published on Saturday 30 May 2009 11:18

FEMALE criminals in the Lothians are to be offered lifestyle help under a new scheme by NHS Lothian.

The Willow project will teach women of all ages who have been through the justice system a range of life skills and health and wellbeing advice.

The ten-week programme would see participants given lessons in activities such as cooking and nutrition, with the objective of keeping them out of trouble by expanding their interests. Access to legal advice, sexual health tips and household management tuition will also be on offer, as will art and writing.

Justice secretary Kenny MacAskill, who attended the launch of the scheme, said: "Clearly those who break the law must face the consequences of their actions but very often the criminal justice system, on its own, can't address the underlying problems behind offending behaviour."

NHS Lothian chairman Dr Charles Winstanley said: "The Willow project is an example of NHS Lothian's commitment to improving services for some of our most vulnerable women."