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Welcome to the latest edition of the Dumfries and Galloway Public Protection Partnership newsletter. This issue highlights the value of partnership working across the region and the shared commitment of local agencies to improving outcomes for individuals, families and communities.
Featured stories include the work of Apex Scotland in supporting people with experience of the justice system, learning from recent awareness raising activity on emerging drug trends, community engagement at Dumfries Fire Station's Open Day, and the launch of a new podcast tackling stigma around substance use and recovery.
Apex Scotland: Supporting People to Build a Future Beyond Their Past
 Apex Scotland supports people with experience of the justice system to overcome barriers, realise their potential and engage positively with society. Through guidance, advocacy, skills development and person-centred support, the organisation helps individuals take control of their lives and contribute to their families, workplaces and communities.
Its vision is of a Scotland where every individual, regardless of their past, has the opportunity, support and confidence to build a positive future. This work is underpinned by the organisation's values of "believe", "respect", "empower" and "support".
In Dumfries and Galloway, Apex Scotland delivers services across the region for anyone aged 16 and over through an outreach model, meeting people where support is needed. Self-referrals are welcomed, and joint appointments with referring agencies can be arranged where this supports engagement and transition.
Services available
Upside
A national throughcare service for people in short-term custody or on remand, providing practical and emotional support to help them transition back into the community.
FFC
Supporting people through stages of their journey towards greater stability, confidence and independence. This includes signposting, access to services and development of soft skills such as trust-building and confidence.
POP
Providing group and individual activities that support confidence, motivation, wellbeing, emotional resilience and opportunities to contribute positively to local communities.
Complex Convictions Service
Supporting individuals subject to Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) or those with sexual offence convictions, helping them overcome barriers and access appropriate support.
For referral information or enquiries, contact: dgreferrals@apexscotland.org.uk.
Raising Awareness of Emerging Drug Trends
As part of Public Protection Week 2026, Julia Macnab from Police Scotland and Barbara Zaman, Community Engagement Officer with the Alcohol and Drugs Partnership, delivered an online presentation exploring current drug trends and available support services.
The session generated significant interest and led to requests from a number of agencies for further training. Since then, additional sessions have been delivered to kinship carers and workers, with a further session planned for justice social workers.
The strong response highlights the continuing need for timely information about emerging substances and changing patterns of drug use. Sharing knowledge across partner agencies helps strengthen community safety and improve outcomes for those affected by substance use.
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Dumfries Fire Station welcomed local residents to its biannual Open Day on 16 May, providing an opportunity for emergency services and partner organisations to engage directly with the community.
The event featured support from Police Scotland, Nith Inshore Rescue, Dumfries and Galloway Youth Work Services, Moffat Mountain Rescue, the DH9 Foundation and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Heritage Team.
Visitors enjoyed a range of activities, including football skills sessions delivered by Queen of the South Football Club, fire safety advice, child car seat checks and opportunities to explore a fire engine and learn more about the work of local firefighters.
A particularly popular attraction was a heritage display featuring a former control unit from the Dumfries and Galloway Fire Brigade, offering a glimpse into the history of local firefighting operations.
The event demonstrated the strength of collaboration between emergency services and community partners and their shared commitment to public safety and community engagement.
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A new podcast designed to encourage open and accessible conversations about drugs, alcohol and recovery has been launched by the Dumfries and Galloway Alcohol and Drug Partnership.
Breaking the Stigma aims to make information and support services easier to understand and access for anyone affected by substance use, whether personally, through supporting someone else, or through their work.
The series explores:
- The role of the Alcohol and Drug Partnership and partner services.
- Harm reduction and practical ways to stay safe.
- Women's health and gender-specific support.
- The Charter of Rights.
- Recovery, family support and lived experience stories.
Independent Chair of the Dumfries and Galloway Alcohol and Drug Partnership, Penny Halliday, said:
"Breaking stigma starts with honest conversations.
Too often, people affected by alcohol or drugs feel isolated or judged, and that prevents them from reaching out for support.
This podcast is about changing that culture by sharing real stories, clear information and the message that help is available.
“If even one person feels more able to ask for support because of this series, then it will have made a meaningful difference."
Listeners can find the podcast by searching for Breaking the Stigma – Dumfries and Galloway on major podcast platforms. Further information is available from the Alcohol and Drug Partnership.
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