George was one of the more than 10,000 prisoners released each year with nowhere to go to. From a hostel he applied for many jobs, wanting to turn his life around, but was rejected because of his criminal record. Through Blue Sky - an Impetus-supported organisation - George has been able to gain the vital work experience that he needs to enter the workforce and lead an independent life.
George* had no father as he left when George was very young; his parents broke up due to domestic issues. He doesn't remember much about his early life, but he says it was not too good.
George was "kicked out of every school he went to". He said that he could not stand school due to all the bullying and name calling as he didn't have a father. As a consequence of this, he was always at loggerheads with his Mum, which lead to more difficulties at home.
At the age of 14 George committed his first offence (Criminal Damage). He offended right up until he was 26, when he was convicted for Actual Bodily Harm and started serving a two-and-a-half year prison sentence.
Whilst in prison he said he felt like he "could go down no lower" and now realised that his life was going nowhere.
When released in January 2009, he had to stay in a hostel as part of his probation licence. From there he tried many times to find work, but due to his past offending and lack of any work experience, every application was turned down.
It was at the hostel that he heard about Blue Sky, an Impetus portfolio organisation that aims to break the cycle of re-offending by giving six months of paid employment to people recently released from prison. George applied, was accepted and nearly six months on is still working with them.
During his time working at Blue Sky, staff members have spent time with George to help him overcome his personal problems. This has resulted in him becoming a very competent employee and has now allowed some stability back into his life.
Blue Sky also obtained funding to pay for driving lessons so he can obtain a full driving licence, which will make him even more employable for the future.
Once the six months is over, Blue Sky will continue to support George in his future employment.
George is now in contact with his father and is seeing him on a regular basis.
Read more about our work with Blue Sky and other lives being turned around by our tremendous charities and social enterprises.
* Name has been changed to protect identity
Thanks to Blue Sky for providing this story.
We couldn’t possibly have expanded in the way we have, and with the speed we have, without support from Impetus.
Rob Owen
Chief Executive, St Giles Trust