Youth Scotland has launched Breaking Barriers to improve the young women’s self-esteem and confidence.

A pioneering scheme for prisoners at Scotland’s only female prison is aiming to increase physical activity, raise levels of educational attainment and improve the mental health of young women.

Youth Scotland launched Breaking Barriers to improve the young women’s self-esteem and confidence, which it hopes will also help reduce re-offending.

People in custody often struggle with mental and physical health problems - Allister Purdie

The new project has grown out of work that was previously delivered in the prison by Youth Scotland's Girls on the Move project.

Since 2010 the partnership between HMP Cornton Vale and Youth Scotland has grown in strength with over 100 women gaining a qualification through partnership work.

Allister Purdie, governor of Cornton Vale, said: “People in custody often struggle with mental and physical health problems, and the positive impact that regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle have on those issues cannot be underestimated.

“I’m delighted about our successful relationship with Youth Scotland, and the delivery of activities that promote physical activity to the women in our care.”