For some of the people we support, they can feel like they were set up to fail. Even after completing their sentence, they can find it difficult to secure accommodation or work, with many opportunities disappearing at the point of disclosure. Footprints remain beside them, encouraging and supporting them to maintain their motivation and build a better future.
*Names have been changed
Lennie is a qualified engineer with a good work record and high training. He was middle-aged when he was sentenced to prison. When we visited him in prison, his main focus was on securing a job, a place to live and developing community links. He was eager to move on and begin a better life. We matched him to a mentor and co-developed a plan for his release. The week before his release, he was told he would be sent to an Approved Premise. We agreed to collect him on the day of release, for which he was very grateful. While residing in the AP, Lennie's mentor helped him register with a GP, assisted with his job search, and met with him weekly to maintain his motivation.
Despite his qualifications and good work record, Lennie found it extremely difficult to secure work due to his offence. He applied for over 100 jobs in his first 6 months of release. He received additional support through Clean Sheet and Wheatsheaf, both of which specialise in supporting people into work. He had several work trials and interviews but at the point of disclosure, all opportunities would disappear. Lennie found this highly frustrating. It increased his feelings of isolation and vulnerability, especially after leaving the AP. At this point, his NPS officer secured him a flat, and we helped him secure some furniture and white goods with a grant from MacDougal Trust.
Lennie's mentor continued to support him, giving him space to work through his issues and to be heard. Being prone to depression and mental health issues, meeting with his mentor and knowing that he was able to call at any time was vital to maintaining his health and developing his personal resilience over the endless knock-backs whilst searching for work. In March, we took him to meet the High Sheriff to discuss the project, where he could share his experience and progress. Lennie felt very honoured and talked very competently and politely to the High Sheriff. At the time of the meeting, Lennie was still unemployed; however, he had undertaken a work trial at Tesco and was waiting to hear about the position. On the way back from the meeting, he was informed that he had been offered a full-time job at their warehouse. Whilst delighted, this position is a lot less qualified than the work he can undertake, a common issue amongst the people we support.
Lennie is now in private accommodation and is sustaining his job at Tesco. Lennie said, "Signing up for Footprints is the best thing I have ever done."
