Locked Up Lives: The Girls of the Good Shepherd
A look behind the scenes at The Good Shepherd secure unit in Bishopton, exploring the hopes, fears and frustrations of the girls who live there.
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The Good Shepherd Unit in Bishopton was opened in 2006. It provides 18 secure and 6 close-support places for girls who are at great risk either from themselves or others. These are girls from chaotic backgrounds. They're survivors, but only just, and the secure unit literally allows them to get by from day to day in safety.
Outwardly this is a tranquil spot, set on the banks of the River Clyde in Renfrewshire. Inwardly, there's little to dispel this notion. Every wall is covered is bright murals and art work. It feels like any other school, but appearances can be deceptive. Security is paramount. Every single door is locked and classroom sizes are limited to an average of just three girls. This allows a highly-focussed level of tuition which will engage girls who've often had difficult relationships with education. It also ensures the safety of the staff should tensions flare.
The girls use anger as a way to process their fears and frustrations. Many of the girls have had to grow up quickly, facing violence, abuse and deprivation in their lives on the outside. Being at the 'Good Shepherd' provides protection, but processing the experiences they've had over their short lifetimes is a bigger challenge. Having lived with situations that are so unremittingly bleak, they can't see how life can ever get any better. In some ways, leaving the security of the unit can make the contrast more marked.
In this open, honest and ultimately uplifting documentary, provide an insight into the lives of the girls at the Good Shepherd.
