A FORTH VALLEY chocolatier is offering support and mentorship to women involved with the criminal justice system.

Grace Chocolates, based in Stirling, is taking referrals from those who are keen to engage with face-to-fact guidance and journey towards fresh beginnings.

Through its RISE Mentoring Programme, women are being given a chance to enrich their CVs by learning workplace skills, earning qualifications, raising self-esteem and through self-reflection.

Run by Positive Changes (Scotland) CIC, delicious products are branded under Grace Chocolates with all proceeds put back into training and mentoring programmes to support those who have been in custody, or received non-custodial sentences, back into the community.

With seven places available, everyone taking part will be paired with a highly trained mentor while working in a safe and respectful space.

Joyce Murray, director and founder, spoke to the Advertiser about the social enterprise's beginnings as she hopes to encourage Clacks women to take part.

Grace Chocolates is located in a safe space not far from Stirling's main transport hub with products sold through a webshop.

Joyce said: “We use the vehicle of chocolate-making to support women, we offer a range of services that helps them and supports them on their journey to fulfilling their potential.”

RISE is one of four programmes on offer with a team of trained volunteer mentors ready to develop close relationships for six months.

“They help the woman identify what her goals and ambitions are and how she would like to get there,” Joyce continued.

Joyce, born and bred in Glasgow, moved to Stirling some 10 years ago and became a volunteer at HMP & YOI Cornton Vale's Family Hub Centre, which opened around the same time.

She then took the opportunity to start up the organisation and has been supporting women for five years.

Seeing women find their path in life has been rewarding, especially with a number of women returning to lend a hand after benefitting from support themselves.

Some have gone on to work, others volunteer or are in further education – “and are really moving on with their life”, according to the founder.

Those inspired by the work and looking to help out are welcome to get in touch as well as Joyce works to train up mentors on a regular basis to make sure everyone looking for support can be accommodated.

As for the future, Joyce said: “Our job will be done when every woman is fulfilling their potential – that's our aim, that everybody has the chance.

“Women who have touched the justice system, people who touched the justice system but we work solely with women, face huge barriers in trying to move on with their lives and we are here to support them the best we can.”

Women interested in the mentoring programme, and those looking to become mentors, can email joyce@gracechocolates.co.uk or call 07482670325.

Others can find delicious treats and support the good cause by finding the online shop at gracechocolates.co.uk.