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Today is International Women’s Day, so we’re celebrating our inspirational female graduates and looking at how well they have done since leaving prison. Today’s story is from Susan*.
Susan has been a victim of domestic violence. However, due to her offence and receiving a custodial sentence, her son was placed in the care of her now ex-partner and Social Services closed the case. She has not had any contact with her son for over a year and has had no one to turn to, in order to try and re-establish contact with her son. This has had a massive impact on her emotional well-being and ultimately on how successful her rehabilitation longer term will be. Our support worker Sophie has helped her navigate the system, accessed help and support that she would not have received otherwise and been an advocate on her behalf which has given her hope and confidence in moving forward.
Following her training and working at The Clink, Susan got her NVQ Level 2 in Food and Beverage Service. As she still had time left to serve on her sentence, Sophie helped her get a position with a national employer so she could work in the community prior to her release. This meant she could carry on consolidating her skills, earn money prior to release and also continue to build her confidence. Susan received excellent feedback from the employer who wanted her to stay on with them. However, as Susan wouldn’t be staying in the local area following release, the manager arranged for her to be interviewed and transferred over to the branch in her release area. Susan reports being happier in herself and is determined to remain focused on moving forward with her life.
*Susan’s name has been changed.
