Ex-offender case study - Jimmy's Story

Jimmy was one of the first prisoners that we trained to NVQ3 in Advice and Guidance.

Jimmy was at the time a recovering addict, and had been in and out of prison for a series of offences going back 20 years.

Jimmy worked for St Giles Trust as a voluntary resettlement advisor at Wandsworth prison. When he completed the NVQ3 in Advice and Guidance he had served 20 months of a three and a half year sentence.

During his time as an advisor Jimmy said:

“I have been an advisor for four months and in that time, I feel the job has made me a better person as far as helping people is concerned. I am learning everyday what it takes to do the job so that I can help other prisoners. As a prisoner, there’s nothing worse than an officer, probation officer or a CARAT worker saying they will do something for you or come back with information; then they don’t. I write down every time I see a client, even if he’s on a visit or in bed asleep. I check my list daily. I’ve seen over 250 people and I can’t tell you how good it makes me feel that some of them will be better for the advice and information that I have given them – whether it’s housing benefit, tenancy sustainment, HPU information, referrals to other agencies in the prison, or just a bit of friendly advice.”

Upon leaving prison Jimmy started his own waste management business. His business is unique in that he employs ex-addicts who have been through the prison system and who want to stay clean and find work.

Jimmy in his spare time runs a support group for recovering addicts and has supplemented his training with counselling qualifications.

Jimmy’s business has been highly successful and now clears over £350,000 per annum. He has just won a major contract in Stratford for the 2012 Olympics.