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International Women’s Day is on Thursday 8th March and to celebrate, we’re sharing some of our female graduates inspirational stories. Today’s story is from Leah.
Leah* was sentenced to two and a half years for burglary and theft. At the time of the offence she had no fixed address, was living in a tent with her boyfriend and was regularly using heroin. There had been no contact made with any of her siblings for at least three years and both parents had passed away.
When our support worker Janice met Leah, she had just joined the Clink, had been through detox and was clean. She was anxious with regards to her release as she knew that not only was she homeless upon release but she had lost everything in a fire at her flat before she became homeless. Leah was also very anxious of the fact that she hadn’t heard from her Probation Officer since her sentencing. Contact was made by Janice to her probation officer and they were assured that a housing referral would be completed by Leah’s release date. However, due to the changes that were taking place within probation, Leah’s probation officer was changed the day before her release, and when they arrived at the office, no housing referral had been made.However, Janice had put in a housing referral to the local council. Leah and Janice made it to the council within the hour before closing and she was put into temporary accommodation. Unfortunately, Leah had a few issues at the temporary placement and was evicted. This meant that Leah now had to find her own accommodation while the council assessed her need for housing. Leah then decided that she would stay with friends but due to unforeseen circumstances desperately needed to move out as she disclosed that she had used drugs a couple of times. A drug rehabilitation organisation was then contacted and she has a drug support worker who she now sees on a regular basis. Since then, Leah has provided clean samples and is doing well.
A charity was contacted and The Clink were able to secure funding for a deposit for four months rent and she now has her own home. The Clink funded her removal costs and bought her a bed and Janice was able to assist her with the removal process and accompany her on the day. As Leah had no furniture, Janice found another charity who were able to provide her with all the furniture that she needs for her flat. Janice also taught Leah how to cook healthy meals using the food that she was generously given by a local food bank.
Leah is not only looking well but is feeling more motivated than ever, and she says that completing her qualifications and being able to have the aftercare from The Clink is the best thing that she has done. This has now enabled Leah to also start thinking about writing a letter to her son who was adopted. Leah is also stable and off all drugs we have applied for a few jobs for her. Leah gained employment with a local farmer which put her qualification in Horticulture from the Clink to good use. Even though the job didn’t last for long, she is in a better place now and is now thinking of long term career choices.
*Leah’s name has been changed.
