Long-term prisoners at HMP Shotts embrace parkrun to boost their mental health

Prisoners serving long-term sentences at HMP Shotts are taking part in weekly parkruns as part of efforts to support rehabilitation and improve mental wellbeing.

The Lanarkshire prison, which houses men serving life sentences and those jailed for more than ten years, launched the initiative eight weeks ago. The weekly 5km event is primarily attended by prisoners, alongside a small number of prison staff.

Organisers say the programme aims to encourage physical activity, build confidence and provide participants with a positive focus while serving their sentences.

Alan, a long-term prisoner with a history of drink and drug problems, said taking part had already made a difference.

“It gives you that sense of purpose, you are coming out to do a run and it just gives you something to look forward to,” he told STV News.

“It instils confidence in people, achieving goals, achieving something, that sense of pride, a wee sense of identity as well.”

Former prisoner Hermen Dange, who now runs a sports business and speaks to people in custody, said running had transformed his own life after he took it up while serving a sentence.

“Being an ex-prisoner myself, I know what it means to feel a part of the world again,” he said. “Sometimes as a prisoner, you don’t feel like a human because you’re so distanced from reality.

“I’ve got ADHD and the running has helped me feel calm, not only feel wanted after being in prison for so long, it’s life changing.”

The initiative was introduced by prison staff, including run director Kerry Nicol, who said her own experience of overcoming alcohol problems inspired her to bring parkrun to the prison.

She said: “I had trouble with alcohol for many years growing up, it became a bit of a problem for me, so I used running as a tool to help me cope.

“While getting sober, I would go out running, and if it worked for me, it can work for these guys. Instead of them sitting in their cell, they come out here and enjoy parkrun.”

HMP Shotts is the third prison in Scotland to introduce a parkrun. Organisers say plans are already under way to expand the initiative to more prisons across the country.