At SPARC, we offer free, confidential advocacy for prisoners and their families navigating Scotland’s complex justice and prison systems. While we don’t have the power to change decisions or intervene in legal processes, we can assist in translating rules, procedures, and policies that often feel overwhelming and inaccessible. Our advocates bring direct, lived experience of imprisonment—either through their own time in custody or by supporting a loved one through the system—giving us real-life insights into the realities people face. Whether you’re trying to understand prison regulations, rights within custody, progression and parole processes, or facing confusing and often conflicting advice from prison staff or agencies, we are here to help make sense of it all. We are also happy to liaise with professionals involved in a person’s care or case: from lawyers and prison officers to healthcare staff, social workers, and addiction teams. Our goal is to support understanding, reduce harm, and offer clarity, no matter how complex the situation. This service is offered at no cost to those we support. We aim to sustain this work through paid training, workshops, and consultancy for organisations—learn more about our professional services if you’re interested “here.”