“Evolving is probably the best word for what goes on here. We’re giving people opportunities to evolve. And we’re always trying to evolve how we work too, working with the likes of Baxi and British Gas to try new things and adapt, to help them to improve how they do things.

“That means I’m evolving in my role too. It creates new administrative elements to the job. But I like being on the shop floor and having those interactions with the guys.

“Ultimately, as an Academy Manager, my role is to use the contracts to give people the right opportunities. It’s about showing people, you can get a job and have some peace and control in your life instead of just being in chaos.

“I get a lot out of the role because I can remember being where some of these guys are now. I started out with the Charity when I was in prison myself.

“For 10 years prior to prison, I was totally out of control, chasing money. So release was a big concern for me. I could’ve found illegal work, but I didn’t want that.

“Recycling Lives Charity showed me a different way. In the workshop, I did a hard day’s work and got paid at the end. I’d never experienced that before, to be honest.

“I started in HMP Wymott then got transferred to HMP Thorn Cross. When I arrived there, Shaun was waiting for me at the gate and got me straight into the workshop. It was a good feeling to know they wanted to help.

“I put my trust in Shaun back then and he’s never let me down.

“After release, RL’s team were better than excellent. They’d call me three times a week and visit when they could. All I wanted was a job and they got me three potentials – two with the charity itself, one with partner of theirs. But probation wouldn’t allow any of them. It became quite difficult.

“Eventually I got something working as a logistics and waste manager, using skills I’d picked up with RL.

“I’ve kept in contact with the team through those years and I wanted to work with them again for a long time. Eventually something came up and I’ve been here since 2023.

“Now I’ve got everything I could want in life. It feels like this job now was me coming home.”