Graeme Young, Outreach Co-ordinator at HMP & YOI Grampian, has dedicated 35 years to the Scottish Prison Service, building a career across a range of roles focused on supporting rehabilitation and reintegration. As he now prepares to retire, his exceptional contribution has been honoured with a Certificate of Recognition from the Butler Trust.
Throughout his time with SPS, Graeme has shown a strong belief in the potential for change in everyone. He builds trust with those in custody who often struggle to engage, using a calm and compassionate approach that helps them to feel supported and understood. This has enabled many to take positive steps forward, and begin to stabilise their lives.
Graeme’s first major contribution came when he played a central role in developing the Community Integration Unit at HMP Aberdeen, helping women in custody to return to their communities with the right support in place. He worked closely with partners to create opportunities in employability, substance use support, family relationships and independent living, while helping to overcome barriers linked to housing and benefits at such a critical point in their lives.
He later developed the ADJUST project, applying a similar approach to support men in custody with a history of repeat offending. This multi-agency work allowed many individuals to move into employment and more stable lifestyles, and reduce their chances of returning to prison.
The success of Graeme’s work contributed to the introduction of the Throughcare Support Officer role. The relationships he built, alongside the evidence he provided, enabled SPS to implement the throughcare scheme nationally. Extending prison-based support into the community ultimately reduced returns to custody by 60%. Graeme became a subject matter expert, using his experience to support other establishments to work more effectively with community partners, and overcome similar barriers that he had faced previously.
Most recently, Graeme has played a central role in the Outreach Team at HMP & YOI Grampian. His compassion and understanding of those in our care have seen him become a natural leader within the team, allowing them to support those who may struggle with life in custody, face challenges with substance use, or experience poor mental health.
Through this work, Graeme and the wider Outreach team have so far supported over 260 individuals to re-engage with prison life, improve their wellbeing and take steps towards a more positive future. This includes helping individuals prepare for a successful return to the community, recognising that the definition of success can look different for each individual. Their work has rightly been recognised by HM Inspectorate of Prisons Scotland as “excellent” practice.
Never one to take the spotlight, Graeme is widely respected by colleagues and partners for his professionalism, reliability and willingness to support others. As he prepares to retire, we thank him for his 35 years of dedicated public service, and for the lasting difference he has made to individuals in custody, his colleagues, and our communities across Scotland.
Congratulations Graeme, we wish you a long and happy retirement.
