Jamie Hedges is a BA (Hons) Community Education student from the University of Dundee who has just completed a 6-month internship with TPS Connects.

Jamie researched the long term benefits of being in a peer support group for those who have been through the justice system. Jamie shared his research from TPS Connects and the benefits it provides to people. The research found:

• The group felt motivated to come along to sessions and be around peers.
• It was something to look forward to each day/week.
• It was an opportunity to give something back which had positive impacts on wellbeing.
• A sense of belonging in a community and confidence to try new things.
• Community isn’t just an area; it is a place you associate yourself with.

Jamie shared how much he enjoyed his time with TPS Connects and the sense of belonging and citizenship throughout the various programmes and how important it was for the members to have a community that they associate themselves with.

Jamie says, “I wanted to do something different and broader. It has been enjoyable as no days are the same. I have been able to focus on my research as well as working alongside TPS Connects. Craig and Aileen are advocates for the people we support and it has been inspiring and keeps me going.”

As his internship came to an end, Jamie delivered a Transgender Inclusion workshop to the TPS Connects members which sparked interesting discussions about experiences and what it will mean going forward for TPS Connects to be inclusive to anyone seeking support.

Jamie was presented with two cards and a gifts: one from colleagues at Head Office and one from TPS Connects members and was thanked for his values, drive and work ethic during his time with Turning Point Scotland.

Jamie will use his research from Turning Point Scotland to complete his dissertation before graduating in June 2023.

Aileen Reid says, “It’s been great having Jamie here for his internship, I think there’s been a real benefit for everyone involved. Jamie got practical experience and a research opportunity, the TPS Connects members were able to get involved in Jamie’s research and also had the benefit of having someone younger in the group who could share experiences of further/higher education with them. It was great for me having someone with different outlooks and experiences to help with the group.”

We wish Jamie the best of luck with his future endeavours.