They were also given the chance to give their views on the types of projects they think the service should be carrying out to help local residents or groups.

The Unpaid Work Service carries out a wide range of work to benefit the community across South Lanarkshire and helps to ensure those convicted of offences provide payback to society while at the same time learning valuable skills that can support their long-term rehabilitation.

Community events were held during the summer in the town centres of Hamilton, Cambuslang East Kilbride and Lanark to show displays of projects carried out by the team across South Lanarkshire in the last year, including maintaining paths and green spaces and carrying out maintenance work in the grounds of care homes and schools.

Stalls were set up with examples of other types of projects carried out, such as ‘rag rug’ blankets that are made from preloved bedding and clothing and are then donated to charities for rescue animals.  Attendees could also see produce grown in the Unpaid Work community garden as well as baking from the Unpaid Work kitchen. More than 100 people attended the various events.

Councillor Margaret Walker, the council’s Chair of Social Work Resources, said: “The events were able to let people discover the positive contribution to local communities that those undertaking Unpaid Work make, but they were also invaluable in offering a chance for the public to give their views on the service.

“Everyone who attended the events was given the opportunity to vote on what types of projects they think service should be carrying out, with the most popular option being support for individuals who are struggling to maintain their homes or gardens proving the most popular.”

Professor Soumen Sengupta, Director of Health and Social Care for South Lanarkshire, said: “The response from the public was very positive, with a number of people making requests for projects for Unpaid Work to consider.

“It was great to see that the events were also attended by former service-users who spoke of the impact the service had on them, with one saying that the team had changed their life. That’s what it’s all about, because if we can help people onto a better path and avoid re-offending, it benefits them and everyone around them.”