“Everything Recycling Lives Charity said to me sounded really good, but I did take it with a pinch of salt because I’d had bad experiences before. I was really worried about release – that I’d be left to fend for myself.

“I started in the workshop and straight away Rick [Key Worker] did exactly what he said RL would do – he got me an interview for a job and I’ve been with that employer ever since. That really built up the trust massively.

“I got one ROTL to have the interview, and then another to recce the bus routes to get there each day. Rick drove over from Preston to Doncaster and drove me all round to see the exact route I’d take. I worked on day release ROTL for about five weeks before my actual release. That got me into a good routine, put some money in my pocket and gave me something to work towards.

“RL workshops give you more money so you’re happy to work when you’re earning a bit more. It’s not direct ‘arm over the shoulder’ support but it’s giving you the things that can build you up.

“I got out with about £1,200 saved up. I had to stay in a hostel [an Approved Premises – AP] but I could afford things – I could go to watch the football, buy myself some clothes and the other bits I needed, and I had some nice days out too. Then I found my own housing and I could use my own earnings to pay for that.

“After that, Rick would check in with me once a month. That contact mattered. It gave me an opportunity to speak up if I had something on my mind. It does help massively to have people who are actually willing to help you.”

NB: Image shows another participant, to help protect privacy