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I’m 35 years old and have spent most of my adult life in and out of prison, for me this was my life and I knew no different. I didn’t know how to break this cycle and when I was released from prison I had no structure in my life. I used drugs and drank too much and I couldn’t see a way out – sometimes I felt prison offered a break from this. Prison didn’t phase me, it just slowed me down.
I was last released from prison in 2022 and shortly after was introduced to Restart Trust by my case manager at Achieve North West. Up until then I was getting only the odd days work through an agency, I felt very bleak about my future and was battling with anxiety and insomnia.
I was amazed when I got the call to say I’d been successful at the interview and Restart Trust was offering me a full time job. This was 7th February 2023 and I’m loving working here – today I have structure in my life – this is what I was lacking. I work hard and do lots of overtime, I am not judged on my past only on the days work. I feel part of a team today, I have something to focus on and we have a right laugh too.
I am positive for my future, my mental health has improved so much I am off all medication and I sleep better. Today I am valued.
In June 2012 the Probation Service sent me for a job interview at Restart Trust, I was offered a temporary 3 month contract working as a Recycling Operative and I’m still here, 13 years on.
Back in 2012 life for me was difficult, I was struggling with my mental health. I had been released from prison and I was applying for so many jobs but because of my criminal record no one would employ me. I remember clearly thinking there was no way to move forward with my life. I owed it to my children and family to find work and provide for them as I’d let them down so badly.
Back in 2010 I committed a crime which I was sentenced for. Spending 3 months in HMP Walton and 3 months in HMP Kirkham. My time in prison was something I do not ever want to repeat, however it did give me time to reflect on the mistakes I’d made which led me to the position I was in and I knew I never wanted to repeat those mistakes. Whilst serving my sentence I was given a job of cleaner due to my good behaviour and that helped me pass the time and keep active.
I was released after 6 months of a 12 month sentence on Tag, this affected the hours I was able to work. Restart Trust supported me with this and worked around the hours I was available. I love working at Restart Trust, this job offered me a lifeline and a way to support my family, as a man that was important to me. Since starting with Restart Trust 13 years ago, I have progressed through the company, I’m now a Senior Banksman. I have undertaken lots of skills training and qualifications. I am a nominated First Aider and have completed my Fire Marshall Training. I have undertaken Heavy Plant Operator training and have my Fork Lift Truck license. I also mentor new employees who are on the start of their journeys – 13 years ago I was helpless yet today I am helpful.
If it hadn’t been for Restart Trust offering me a job, I have no idea where I would have ended up, I could still be out of work to this day so I am really thankful for the faith Restart Trust put in me and I continue each and every day to do my best for the company who gave me a second chance and an opportunity to provide for my family and to find a way forward.
After receiving a criminal conviction I struggled to find and secure a permanent job, by the time I was introduced to Restart Trust through the Probation Service, I was struggling to support myself and my family. I wasn’t very hopefully for my future and my confidence was really low. I knew I wanted to get away from the life I had been living before my prison sentence, yet I couldn’t see a way out.
Then I met Ben at my interview for a job at Restart Trust, the job was only temporary although I remember Ben telling me there are permanent positions available for those that applied themselves and really want the opportunity – I remember feeling a glimmer of hope for a better future – someone was willing to take a chance on me and I was going to prove myself.
I did prove myself, I loved working at Restart Trust, I was doing an honest day’s work and going home after a busy day, exhausted. It was a good feeling. Towards the end of the temporary contract, I was offered a permanent job – this was 7 years ago. Today the company continues to support me and to invest in training for me – I’ve had different roles within the organisation and various promotions.
Restart Trust has offered me a supportive and caring environment and I would like to thank Ben & Jen and the rest of the team for the faith shown in me.
It starts by grounding ourselves within deprived communities, listening first hand to the challenges these people face, and recognising potential where others see hopelessness.
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