A new multi-faith chaplaincy initiative, the first of its kind in Scotland, was launched at Edinburgh’s Sheriff Court in December.
A team of 19 trained chaplains from the city’s faith communities, including the Church of Scotland, will provide an independent, confidential support service called ‘The Listening Service’ to all court users and staff of all faiths and none.
The free, private and confidential service, based on a successful model that has been running in Bradford since 2009, will take referrals from court staff and other agencies, such as social workers and victim support.