Footprints supports people who have gone in and out of prison and have been isolated from the community and world. They were not given the space or chance to mature and grow. Often, people just need support to know they can make the change to live a meaningful life away from crime.
*Names have been changed
Seth has been involved in criminality and substance misuse from a young age. He had gone in and out of prison and in his latest stay, had been isolated from the rest of the world for 2 years. He was 32 and on anti-psychotic medication when one of our mentors told him about Footprints. When we met him in prison, he was very anxious about being released, as he was being sent to a hostel in a new town and was scared he would use drugs again. He wasn’t confident about his situation at all. We agreed to collect him from the prison gate on the day of his release.
When we met him that day, he was clearly anxious, struggling to breathe and sweating as he sat in the car. We talked him through deep-breathing exercises, but he continued to breathe heavily throughout the entire hour-long drive to Bournemouth. Along the journey, we contacted the benefits agency, made Seth’s fresh claim, and stopped to get him some clothes. However, while in the shop, he became overwhelmed and had to go outside for fresh air. He waited outside with our staff while the mentor got him clothes and a phone. We took him to the hostel and got him settled. That evening, his mentor called him to check in, and Seth said he was ok and very grateful.
Since that day, 4 months have gone by, and we have continued to support Seth on numerous occasions. We held meetings in person and on the phone, and took him to volunteer work and to register with a GP. Seth and his mentor have continued to work with his probation officer, whom Seth has known for several years, and said she was astonished at the maturity and changes Seth has made with Footprint’s support. Seth has matured and isn’t anywhere near the very anxious, guarded guy we first met. He has remained drug-free and stayed away from old offending behaviour. He has become confident and capable in his decision-making, which in turn has helped him build structure in his life and become more hopeful, determined, and motivated to build a bright future for himself. Seth said:
“My Footprints worker has helped me a great deal. He picked me up from the prison gate and took me to the hostel I have to reside at.
He helped me sort out my benefits on the day of release and is continuing to help me now.
I feel because [Footprints] has picked me up from the gate it has helped me on to this new chapter of my new law-abiding life I want to live.
Normally, on the day of release, I usually get off my head before I do anything, this time though, as I was picked up from the gate on my release, I never done that old behaviour.
I thank [my mentor] a lot as he has helped me and is continuing to help me. Thank you.”
