At the core of our work are our mentors, volunteers and staff who walk alongside people offering encouragement, practical support and hope during some of life's most challenging moments. Their support helps people move forward with hope, confidence and purpose.
*Names have been changed
Leonard was released after serving half of a six-year prison sentence. He required help with applying for benefits, opening a bank account, addressing his mental health, renewing his driving licence and even setting up an email address. Leonard had to reside in an Approved Premises (AP) after being released, where he was able to access support from his mentor regularly, receive additional support from the Footprints drop-in sessions every Friday morning, and access the courses Footprints ran.
Leonard's mentor supported him both practically and emotionally. He received one-to-one support from the drop-in to manage his anxiety, and he accessed the Cookery sessions, learning how to make tasty, affordable meals. For a period of time, Leonard engaged well. He was very grateful for the support he was receiving; however, with the move on from the AP fast approaching and no move-on accommodation in place, Leonard's mental health started to decline. Leonard stopped leaving his room and stopped engaging with any support from Footprints and the AP staff. Leonard had completely shut himself off from everyone. He was unwilling to engage with professionals to address his rapid decline in mental health.
Leonard's mentor preserved and continued to frequently contact him and attempted to visit him at the AP. Weeks passed, and Leonard had not engaged with Footprints; however, his mentor was able to make contact. Leonard was extremely grateful that they never gave up on him, and it gave him hope that things could get better.
Leonard has moved on from the AP into his own accommodation. He can now see the light at the end of the tunnel and is feeling optimistic about the future. He had enrolled on an introduction to IT course and regularly engages with his mentor.
