Our tailored approach to support is made possible by working with our dedicated Delivery Partners. As we mark 10 years of Future Pathways, we say a big thank you to all the organisations and professionals we have worked with over the past decade.
Support at Future Pathways is tailored so that everyone can access the support that’s right for them. To do this, we work with a network of Delivery Partners across Scotland, the UK and beyond. Our commissioning model creates access to an extensive range of support, including record search support, counselling, coaching, support work, education, advocacy and creative interests.
Since Future Pathways began in 2016, we’ve worked with almost 150 Delivery Partners, many of which we’re still working with today. Relationships are at the heart of what we do, and this includes the partnerships we hold. By creating a genuinely collaborative commissioning approach, we can navigate complexity together and offer flexible, holistic support.
Our trauma-informed approach extends to our Delivery Partners too. We support them to make informed choices about working with us, and in turn we build trust through transparent and consistent processes. We offer clear contracts that nurture safe relationships, while empowering our Delivery Partners to help shape support through focus groups and joint projects. This word cloud shows the words our Delivery Partners used to describe our approach.
Our commissioning approach itself is designed to balance structure and flexibility so people can access support in the way that works for them. Throughout, we recognise the value and expertise of our Delivery Partners who bring wide-ranging knowledge and practice to our work together.
We’re really looking forward to the next steps on the journey in creating effective and impactful support for people registered with Future Pathways.
Find out more
We love shining a light on the work of our Delivery Partners. Here, we have a range of interviews across counselling, coaching, creative support and more.
Become a Delivery Partner
We have a guide for organisations and professionals. This tells you more about Future Pathways, who we are and what we do. It also tells you how people can register with the service and how you can make a referral, plus information about our trauma informed approach to working with Delivery Partners.
As we mark 10 years of Future Pathways, we want to make sure we keep improving. You can help us. Find out more about how to give us feedback. Your voice makes a difference.
Miriam is our new Impact and Evaluation Lead. She helps us to see what we are doing well and how we can improve. And she wants you to get involved and share your views.
What sort of things can someone give feedback on?
It is up to you! You can give feedback on anything you would like us to know. For example, what you think we do well or what you think we need to do better. We really value your comments and ideas.
Can you tell us a bit more about why we want feedback from people?
We want to understand more about what you think of Future Pathways. Feedback is important because it means we can see what works and what we should change. The more feedback we have, the better we can make Future Pathways for the people we support. We want to make sure Future Pathways is shaped by the people who access the service.
Will feedback make a difference?
Yes.We know that feedback makes a difference at Future Pathways. For example, we now have Peer Support at Future Pathways. This is because lots of people told us this was something we should do.
So, if you have a suggestion, let us know. We might not always be able to do things straight away and we might not be able to do everything that people suggest. But if we know your feedback, we can do more to improve Future Pathways.
How can someone give feedback?
There are lots of ways you can give feedback. You can:
- Fill in our feedback form at www.future-pathways.co.uk/feedback
- Email us at engagement@future-pathways.co.uk
- Talk to your Support Coordinator and they can share your feedback with me (Miriam)
- Write to us at Future Pathways, c/o Health in Mind, Links House, 15 Links Place, Edinburgh, EH6 7EZ
- Ask for a chat with me (Miriam)
Feedback can be anonymous. You do not have to give your name if you do not want to.
The timeline below covers the key milestones of the last 10 Years. While the focus is on Future Pathways, we do include additional information on other significant dates. It is important to recognise that the work of Future Pathways sits within a timeline of key changes in justice and reparation.
2016
Our service is launched on a pilot basis
In June 2016, Scotland’s In Care Survivors Support Fund is launched on a pilot basis. It is set up make sure people can get support to live full, healthy and independent lives. To do this, the fund focuses on what is most important to people. The fund supports people to make the changes they want to see in their life. And helps people to set goals for what they want to do or achieve. The fund is delivered by the In Care Survivors Alliance, at the time made up of Glasgow Psychological Trauma Service (NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde), Health in Mind, Mental Health Foundation, Penumbra Mental Health and the Scottish Government.
Future Pathways formally launches
In Care Survivors Support Fund (later renamed Future Pathways) formally launches on 29 September 2016. The service has three Support Coordinators and within the first three months almost 100 people register with the service. People seek support to access their records, reconnect with communities, specialist support work, counselling, physical activity, advocacy and group work.
Working with Wellbeing Scotland
Wellbeing Scotland (originally known as Open Secret) works closely with us from the start, bringing significant experience in supporting people affected by childhood abuse.
2017
Listening to lived experience
In May 2017, Future Pathways sets up an Advisory Group through an open call. The group is made up of people who are registered with, or accessing support at Future Pathways. Members offer advice to Future Pathways about how to shape the service and aims to encourage other services to improve support for people with lived experience.
Developing our network
By the end of the first year (29 September 2017), Future Pathways has working relationships with 23 support providers (later called ‘Delivery Partners’), including Action in Mind, Aspire, Birthlink, Break the Silence, Carr Gomm, Mind Mosaic, Moira Anderson Foundation and Wellbeing Scotland.
2018
Scoping the service
In 2018, Future Pathways completes a scoping study. This helps us feel confident that we have an effective model of support. The report also highlights that Future Pathways works in a challenging context where demand for the service is high. People also experience high levels of need but there are few trauma-informed services and supports available. As we have a pioneering approach to support, we are continually learning, developing and refining what we do.
Quality and Improvement
In August 2018, we have a Quality Framework. Through this, we embed the principles of trauma informed practice into our approach to quality and improvement at Future Pathways. We monitor how well we are doing and what we can improve. We measure, identify, plan, inform and improve through a continuous cycle of learning.
Growing the service
By the end of its second year, September 2018, Future Pathways has 53 support providers and has supported over 350 people, 190 of which have been supported through partner Wellbeing Scotland.
Sparking creativity
To mark the second year of Future Pathways, the service creates an exhibition around the theme ‘What Makes Me Happy’. There is an open call and anyone who has experienced neglect or abuse as a child in care in Scotland can submit their artwork. The exhibition opens in October 2018 at the Museum of Edinburgh.
Strengthening support
In December 2018, with many more people accessing Future Pathways, the service is given additional funding. This allows us to prioritise people over the age of 70 or people who are living with a terminal illness. It also allows us to better respond to people living outwith the central belt of Scotland.
2019
Broadening engagement
In April 2019, Future Pathways broadens the engagement and feedback approach. Instead of an advisory group (which had been set up when the service supported only 200 people), we create more flexible and inclusive ways to make sure people can engage with the service. With more than 1100 people registered with the service at the time, it was important that more people can help shape the service by sharing their views.
Supporting people in payment scheme applications
In April 2019, the Advanced Payment Scheme is opened by the Scottish Government. The scheme offers government-funded payments to people who are elderly (aged 68 or over) or have a terminal illness. The was an important first step prior to the subsequent launch of Scotland’s Redress Scheme. Future Pathways offered support to people applying for the Advanced Payment Scheme, helping them with their applications.
Listening to our support providers
In September 2019, Future Pathways completes its review of Support Providers. Findings show that they view Future Pathways as trauma-informed and trustworthy, and view the partnership as beneficial and open. We also see that they feel working with us has improved access to their own service and that they’d like more opportunities to highlight the work they do with other providers and professionals who work with Future Pathways.
2020
Looking at our impact
Future Pathways publishes our first impact report. It includes people’s accounts of how support has made a real difference. The report highlights that we want to keep listening and learning so that we can bring lasting improvement to people’s lives.
Support during the Covid-19 pandemic
During the Covid-19 pandemic, many of the people we support also experienced unexpected and life-altering challenges during this time. It was important for us to respond to challenges quickly. Between March and July 2020, Support Coordinators made almost 1000 wellbeing calls to people registered with us to offer immediate support. Almost two thirds of those contacted accepted this offer of support and many people who had concluded their support returned to the service during the Covid-19 pandemic.
2021
Partnership changes in the In Care Survivor Alliance
In April 2021, Mental Health Foundation withdraws from the In Care Survivors Alliance to focus on research, policy and campaigning. Health in Mind takes on the responsibilities of communications and engagement, in addition to existing Support Coordination.
Listening and learning
In October 2021, Future Pathways’ consultation report is published. The report is created by CAPS, an Independent Advocacy Organisation. It shows that people found the service welcoming and consistent and had positive experiences in getting support with therapy, accessing records and daily life. What people valued most was the support from, and relationships with, individual Support Coordinators. However, we also heard that waiting times could be difficult, that information could be more accessible, and that people wanted more ways to connect with others. People also highlighted that independent voices for people with lived experience should be more present.
Scotland’s Redress Scheme
In December 2021, Scotland’s Redress Scheme is launched. This offers financial and non-financial redress to people who experienced abuse or neglect as children in the Scottish care system.
Redress Support Service
Alongside Scotland’s Redress Scheme is the launch of Redress Support Service in 2021. Redress Support Service opens to provide emotional and practical support to people accessing the scheme. Delivered by the In Care Survivors Alliance, the Redress Support Service offers personalised support to people throughout their redress journey. This includes supporting people to prepare for applying, during the application and after they have applied.
2022
Voices for a Better Future
In May 2022, a lived experience group is set up. It’s called Voices for a Better Future. Every member is registered with Future Pathways and they each bring their own personal insights and lived experience of Scottish care settings. Together, the group works on projects to improve services, challenge stigma and raise awareness.
Delivery Partner review
In September 2022, we complete a review of our Delivery Partners. We focus specifically on counselling and record search Delivery Partners, finding out what helps and what hinders meaningful support. We see the positive impacts of counselling, such as supporting people to develop self-awareness, a sense of identity, coping strategies and self-care. We also find that counselling should be outcomes-focused and boundaried. We see that record search support creates a more connected sense of identity, as well as broader mindset shifts that can have a positive impact on the choices people make. However, we also find that the record search process itself can be challenging when records containing upsetting content, or are incomplete or redacted.
Making Pathways Together
In November 2022, we complete our Making Pathways Together project. This was a feedback project in partnership with Journey Associates. The project highlighted room for improvement across three broad themes: communications, structure, engagement and events. People wanted more opportunities to share their experiences, find out more about Future Pathways, have clear information, and take part in peer activities.
2023
Developing Peer Support
In 2023, Future Pathways looks at developing Peer Support by working with Voices for a Better Future, alongside IRISS and Scottish Recovery Network. Through this co-design project, we explored the opportunities people were seeking and how we could develop these in future.
Improving information, sharing experiences
In April 2023, we refresh Future Pathways’ website, creating a more clear, consistent and informative site. It also now includes a dedicated Features space for content created by and with people registered with the service.
Stepping Stones
In August 2023, Future Pathways publishes Stepping Stones. Covering 2016 onwards, the report tells the story of the service at scale, weaving together feedback, reflections and accounts of people’s experiences. The data tells us that it’s not just what we do, but how we do it, that makes the difference.
Impactful partnership working
In October 2023, we publish a report from the Action Learning Programme. Created by The Lasting Difference, the report highlights the learning and feedback from engagement sessions held with a group of services we work alongside. We found that our collaborative approach brings trust, choice and flexibility to our outcomes-focused support. It also creates a network of support, knowledge and learning with Delivery Partners which, in turn, helps navigate complexity and offer holistic support.
2024
A new approach to commissioning support
In 2024, we launch a new approach to commissioning support from Delivery Partners. We focus on embodying the principles of trauma informed practice to create a framework of support, knowledge and learning with Delivery Partners. This then helps us navigate complexity and offer holistic support to people accessing Future Pathways.
Identity, Equality and Access
In June 2024, Future Pathways publishes Identity, Equality and Access. Focusing on the demographics and life experiences of people who were abused or neglected in the Scottish care system, the report offers a valuable contribution to an under-represented area of research.
Accessing Records in Scotland
In July 2024, we support the publication of Accessing Records in Scotland. This report was made possible by participants with care experience who generously gave their time, knowledge and insights, along with partners Aberdeen City Council, the Champions Board of West Dunbartonshire Council, The City of Edinburgh Council, Social Work Scotland and Who Cares? Scotland. The report looks at what it is like for people with care experience to access their records and makes key recommendations for how the process can be improved so people can access records in a safe and supported way.
Support While You Wait
In November 2024, Future Pathways launches Support While You Wait. This is a dedicated strand of support specifically for people on our waitlist. Through this, people can access emotional support, counselling and group work from Wellbeing Scotland, and record search support from Birthlink. We also offer Brief Waitlist Sessions for time-limited support with urgent areas like housing and access to education.
Future Pathways’ review
In November 2024, independent organisation BDO undertake a review of Future Pathways. Scottish Government Ministers asked for this review to better understand how Future Pathways is working , and to see how the service could improve. BDO’s final report was made available in September 2025.
2025
Being There
In January 2025, Future Pathways publishes Being There. Looking at the prevalence of unmet basic needs among people we support, the report also considers how circumstances can affect engagement and how we can help people navigate barriers to support.
Access to Records
In March 2025, lived experience group Voices for a Better Future publishes Access to Records, which includes information and personal reflections to help anyone who is trying to access their records from when they were in care as a child.
Walking this path with you
In April 2025, we share a new animation, created with Voices for a Better Future. They helped us to show the perspective of someone on a journey of support, taking us on the path from before to during and after support. They helped us authentically convey what Future Pathways does, who we are for and the support we offer.
Peer Support is launched
In June 2025, Future Pathways launches Peer Support. We host sessions online and in person across Scotland, and we have workshops around specific themes, like healthy eating, first aid and stress management. Our programme offers a way to create connection, meet new people and build supportive relationships.
Better Records Together
In December 2025, Future Pathways and members of Voices for a Better Future support Better Records Together, a campaign from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). Better Records Together calls for urgent improvements in how services can better support people to access their records, exercise their rights and understand their history.
2026
VOICES film series
In May 2026,VOICES series launches. VOICES brings together individual films from 6 members of Voices for a Better Future: Bradley, Gordon, Joyce, Pauline, Rikki and Yvonne. Each person has their own unique story to tell; together they show resilience, change, determination, hope, healing and inspiration.
Voices group marks four years together
In May 2026, Voices for a Better Future group celebrate four years together. In this time, they have created hope, support and connection. Members help to shape services and advocate for change, all while supporting each other in their own personal journeys.
10 Years of Future Pathways
In September 2026, Future Pathways will have been running for 10 Years. As we mark 10 years of the service, we want to make sure we keep improving. You can help us by sharing your views and giving us feedback. Your voice makes a difference.
Looking back over 10 Years of Future Pathways, we’re highlighting our key facts and figures, including our work with people we support, Delivery Partners, Peer Support and more.
These figures are up until 31 May 2026.
Who can get support?
You can get support from Future Pathways if the abuse or neglect happened:
- in a care setting
- in Scotland
- when you were under 18
You also need to be over 18 now. Find out more about who can get support from Future Pathways.
About our support
You might know what support you are looking for or you might need some help to find out. Everyone is different. Watch our short animation to find out more about who we support and how we can help.
Delivery Partners
Future Pathways commissions a range of services to support people. We work with a network of Delivery Partners across Scotland, the UK and beyond. Through this, we can facilitate access to support that is trauma-informed, person-centred and outcomes-focused.
Accessing records
Voices for a Better Future is a lived experience group. They created information and guidance to help anyone who is trying to access records from when they were in care as a child.
Accessing Records in Scotland is a report which brings together findings about what it is like for people with care experience to access their records. Researched and written by Aberdeen City Council, the Champions Board of West Dunbartonshire Council, The City of Edinburgh Council, Future Pathways, Social Work Scotland and Who Cares? Scotland.
Peer Support
Peer Support is a way of connecting with people who have gone through similar things in life. People can come together to socialise, learn and support each other. Peer Support at Future Pathways is open to anyone who is registered with the service, including people who are on our waitlist.
Voices for a Better Future
Voices for a Better Future is a lived experience group. Every member is registered with Future Pathways. The group works with staff at Future Pathways and at other services on different projects to improve services, raise awareness and make a difference.
2026 marks 10 years of Future Pathways.
Launched in 2016, our service supports people who experienced abuse and neglect in the Scottish care system to lead full, healthy and independent lives. Over the past 10 years, our service has focused on what matters most to people. Through tailored support, people can make the changes they want to see in their lives.
Relationships are at the centre of Future Pathways’ support. By building trust, we can create the opportunity for empowerment, choice and meaningful change. We extend our trauma-informed and collaborative approach to everyone we work with, from third sector and statutory services, to our network of over 40 dedicated Delivery Partners.
In the past 10 years, more than 3000 people have registered with Future Pathways and we’ve supported 2122 people so far. Our support has made a difference. People say they feel cared about, seen and understood, or that they have gained the knowledge, skills and confidence to make changes in their lives.
We know that Future Pathways is here because of the determination of people with lived experience to speak out, fight for change and campaign for support. We must all continue to listen: the voices of people we support are crucial in creating services which meet people’s needs.
As we mark 10 Years of Future Pathways, we will continue to highlight the experiences and journeys of people registered with us. We’ll also showcase the work of our Delivery Partners, tell the story of the difference we make, and share our learning to encourage change across the wider sector. Through it all, we will continue to challenge stigma and discrimination, recognise the specific needs of people we support, and place lived experience at the heart of what we do.
Discover more
We’ve created a timeline covering our key milestones of the last 10 Years, bringing together developments in the service alongside changes in the wider landscape of justice and reparation.
As we mark 10 years of Future Pathways, we want to make sure we keep improving. You can help us. Find out more about how to give us feedback. Your voice makes a difference.
In 2025, Bradley published a book about his life. It is called Shadow in the Dark. He writes about his time in foster care and in prison, and fighting for justice through the courts. Here, Bradley shares his journey.
Please note: this article mentions abuse.
First steps
I hadn’t done much writing before. I didn’t progress well at school as I was so distracted by the abuse. Later on, I had done a bit of college but my life was so troubled. Learning felt impossible when I was still dealing with the impact of abuse.
But I knew I had something within myself. What got me into writing was letters. I had written to my Support Coordinator about my needs. She said my letter was a really good piece of writing.
Sometimes, people need encouragement. They don’t know the skills they have; they don’t find out until later in their life. I’m fortunate to have been supported by Future Pathways. Without them, I might never have known the skill I had for writing.
In my own words
I thought I would try to write everything down as a book. I was hesitant at first. But I thought ‘just write from A to Z, from start to finish’. I did it to the best of my memory, intelligence, knowledge and truth.
Writing Shadow in the Dark gave me the chance to write about the way my life was and what I went through. And, importantly, it was in my own words. Instead of hearing about my experience in the words of a social worker, a police officer or a judge, I got to say it myself.
A sense of belonging again
When you have been abused in care, you can feel like the impact doesn’t end. My book describes dealing with social care, psychiatric care and the prison system.
When I was in prison, I was locked out of society. My book was like an introduction into society again. I’ve put something I have made into the world and it’s the best thing I’ve done in my life.
Now I can feel like I’ve achieved something. When I saw a copy of my book, I couldn’t believe it. I thought, ‘That’s me! I’ve done that! This is my words!’. It felt like the most positive step.
Calling for change
Abuse can cause huge destruction in people’s lives. For a long time, it was like I was chasing my own ghost and left with nothing. But through my book, I felt I could challenge people, get them to listen and hold them to account.
In Shadows in the Dark, I talk about my fight for recognition and going to court. When I got justice, I finally got some peace. I felt everything being returned: my dignity, my pride, my innocence and my self-respect.
But changes still need to be made. Professionals and services could do better. They need to protect people more, respond to abuse in the right way, and be better at dealing with perpetrators. I hope my book can help people see the changes that need to happen.
Raising awareness
I’ve started writing another book. This one is about mental health and my experience in hospital on a psychiatric ward. There is positive work in psychiatry, but it still needs improvement. When you are in such a vulnerable state, you really need to be taken care of.
People can make assumptions about others that have poor mental health. You don’t know what people are going through. Sometimes, when people hear the words ‘poor mental health’, they hear an alarm bell. They can feel fear, alarm or curiosity. Instead, I want people to be more understanding.
New ways of living
When you are dealing with your abuse, and you’re by yourself, you might turn to drugs for comfort. But now, I’m finding other avenues instead, like connecting more with other people. I joined Voices for a Better Future. They have all had difficult experiences, but they keep going. And they encourage me too: they show me that I’m not alone.
I hope my book helps people find other ways to cope too. I thought I could pull someone out of a hole by describing the hole I was in. Maybe people will connect to that. I am still here: my book shows you can survive.
Shadow in the Dark: A Memoir of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption
Bradley’s shares his life, from neglect and foster care, through addiction and time in prison. Throughout his book is a sense of resilience and fighting for justice. We see how facing the past can be a battle, but that a different future is possible.
Discover more
Bradley took part in our VOICES film series. Each person has their own unique story to tell; together they show resilience, change, determination, hope, healing and inspiration.
In his film, Bradley talks about owning his story, finding the courage to speak up, showing that that justice is possible – and that one voice can inspire another.
We hear from Jen Wood about what mindfulness is and how we can bring it into our daily lives. Jen Wood is one of our Delivery Partners.
About mindfulness
Mindfulness is about noticing what is happening right now. For example, we might notice:
- our feet on the floor
- our breathing
- sounds around us
- the feeling of holding a hot cup of tea
Mindfulness is not about clearing your mind or getting it ‘right’. Instead, it is about slowing down and noticing what is here.
How it helps
Many people live with stress, worry or difficult memories. Sometimes our minds can feel very busy. Mindfulness can help us pause and feel more steady.
Mindfulness does not take difficult things away. But it can help us notice when we are stressed or overwhelmed. It can also help us notice what might support us, like:
- taking a breath
- moving our body
- holding something comforting
- speaking to ourselves in a kinder way
By seeing what we need in the moment, we are showing ourselves compassion.
Bringing mindfulness into our everyday lives
Mindfulness can be very simple. You do not need special equipment. You do not need to
sit still for a long time. You could try:
- taking one slow breath before you start the day
- noticing the taste of your tea or coffee
- looking at the colour and shape of a leaf
- wiggling your toes when you feel overwhelmed
- putting one hand on your chest and noticing your breath
You can also bring mindfulness into things you already do. This might be walking, gardening, cooking, making something, or spending time with a pet. It helps to choose something that feels possible.
The main thing is to be gentle with yourself. Mindfulness is not about being perfect. It is about coming back to the present moment, one small moment at a time.
Health in Mind have a new resource. It is called ‘When someone says they’re not ok’. It is a guide for how to talk about mental health.
If you think someone seems out of sorts, it can be good to start a conversation about
mental health. This gives the person a chance to be heard. They can talk about how they
feel without bringing it up themselves. Sometimes, having these conversations can seem
difficult. So, here are a few tips to help you.
Know that it is OK to ask
We might worry that talking about mental health will make someone feel worse. But, asking if someone is ok is better than not asking at all.
Listen well
When you ask how someone is feeling, it is important to listen. Do not interrupt, try not to judge and do not feel you have to fix things.
Look after your own wellbeing
Emotional conversations might make us feel tired. Make sure to look after yourself too. Afterwards, you might go for a walk, do breathing exercises, or write down your feelings.
Know your own limits
Sometimes, we do not have the time or energy to be there. That is fine. You can always point the person to support and services so they can get more help.
Find out more
Health in Mind have lots of different resources so that people can learn how to improve wellbeing. You can view their latest booklet and more at health-in-mind.org.uk/resources
Michael published a book about his experience as a child in care. In this article, he tells us more about writing the book and his message to people.
Please note: this article mentions abuse.
Michael was taken into care as a toddler, and lived in different foster placements and institutions. He experienced neglect and abuse during his time in care.
Over 20 years ago, Michael got a phone call from the police. They were looking into reports about abuse at a children’s home in Edinburgh. The phone call brought back Michael’s memories of his childhood.
Michael says, ‘After that call, nothing was the same. And nothing would ever be the same again.’ But, in 2025, he chose to write a book about his experience.
What made you decide to write your book?
I didn’t want to share it at first. I wanted to write it down for myself as a form of therapy, just to get it out. I had seen umpteen counsellors and psychologists in the past who had been no help whatsoever in this situation. So, I thought writing it down for myself might help me.
How did you write the book?
I had thought about putting it all down in writing for quite a while. But I’m not very good at reading or writing so I thought ‘it won’t happen.’
Then Future Pathways put me in touch with the Book Whisperers. They weren’t there to judge. They were there to just put it in black and white on paper for me.
I did take a break for a couple of weeks when things got difficult, like when I was describing the abuse. But I also felt I had to go through the difficulties because, in the long-term, it would better to get it out there.
What was it like to hold a copy of your book in your hands?
I sat down and read it from start to finish. It was good to see it for myself and be able to read it. I could ‘claim’ it, I could say ‘this is me, this is what happened.’
Now, when people ask ‘what happened?’, I can say ‘buy the book, read the book’. It’s easier now that it’s all written down. I can’t change what happened but putting it into a book helped me so much.
What’s changed for you since writing the book?
From the time I got that phone call from Police Scotland, I was short tempered, like a bear with a sore head. And that phone call was over 20 years ago. Since writing the book, I’m not as tetchy, not as wound up. I’m more open to talking about things like this than I was before. It’s nowhere near as bad as it was for me before and writing the book is a major part of that.
Putting the words down, seeing it in writing and reading it for myself – it helped me get it off my back. A great weight was lifted.
How do you feel now that your book is in the wider world?
It feels weird to know I have a book out there now, spilling my guts about everything that has happened, for everyone to read. It’s not what I ever thought I would do, but I’m glad I have.
It felt good to have it out there, down in black and white, so other people could see that this happened, not just to me but to so many others. And it felt good that the book could help another person. If it could help even just one person, then my job was done.
Do you have a message or people reading the book?
I just want people to read it and think about what they’ve read. I want them to just to be aware that this did happen, and it still does. It’s not something that can be swept under a carpet any longer. It is something that needs to be openly talked about.
People have more knowledge nowadays because of the Inquiry and things like that. But I don’t know if they fully understand the scale that it happened at. My story is just a small part of the bigger picture.
I know this happened over 50 years ago for me now, but it’s still happening and there are still children being hurt. So, I think people just need to read about it and just think about it. I wanted the book to be a voice for people who had been through what I’d been through but didn’t have the courage to come forward.
What would you say to someone who hasn’t told anyone else what has happened to them?
I’d hope that the book would encourage them enough to tell their partner or someone that they trust. Even if they don’t report it to the police, but just share it with another person. By sharing it, it will make it slightly better, slightly easier. Maybe they could come forward if they felt they weren’t alone.
Nowhere to call home
A story of extraordinary resilience, the redeeming power of love and the possibility of healing.
We always love to highlight people’s creativity and are really pleased to share more poetry from Brendan.
Brendan says:
‘If you feel like picking up the pen to write, it’s a good way of getting rid of your angst. Very cathartic.’
He says about prison that ‘Conditions in prison at that time were a lot harsher but I’m sure they’ve improved through time. Use your time wisely.’
Retro Guard
Behind the prison walls
The guard is at ease
No more the social outcast
His moral outrage will appease
He opens up for slop out
And observes them as they go
Their overall debasement
Helps his self-image grow
He shouts them by their second name
While they address him Sir
His tone of voice leaves no doubt
That he intends the slur
He sneers as they approach him
For something that they need
And if they want it more than pride
He’ll give it when they plead
His days work done
His complex cured
Beyond the walls
He can now be allured
Retro Prisoner
Court all rise
Sentenced and leering
Righteous justice dispensed
Smile but fearing
Their eyes downcast
Pity momentarily appealing
Exit quickly
Your mute plea they are not hearing
In the morning your mind awakes
Can sense your confinement
Your brain screams to escape
Your body shivers, shivers
Shame contact makes
Toilet done
A new day breaks
Know your number
Forfeit your name
Don’t feel resentment
Forget your shame
New rules, our game
When we say jump
Ask how high
Not for the likes of you
To question why
You’ll eat all your meals in your cell
You’ll excrete there as well
Then at ten you’ll go to sleep
Try counting pigs
More apt than sheep
Integrate and you’ll get by
Just one of many in this our sty