Iddy started working with us when he was in HMP Kirkham, joining our recycling workshop there. When he was granted early release, he was fortunate to have family support for housing and our team quickly found him a job opportunity.

“I’ve always worked, and worked hard, but I had no qualifications or school. I’ve always wanted a trade behind me. That’s why I went for this job.

“I started two weeks after getting out of jail. I was meant to be released in the October, but I went on a home leave in August and when I got back, I got told I’d be out in a few days because of the early release scheme.

“I was happy! Everyone was. The lads I knew, anyway.

“It was probably hard for those ones that have got no family or anything. With all those people, the people that are there to help them, they couldn’t keep up with housing and benefits.

“I joined Recycling Lives’ workshop in Kirkham because I got told how they help people. I knew it’d benefit me and it’s really paid off.

“Recycling Lives rang me about this job, landscaping, a few days after I got released and I went with it. I’m glad I did. They’re setting us up to do courses and asking about other jobs we’d be interested in.

“Harriet [Key Worker] would check in with me on other stuff like housing, but I’ve always had good family support so I’m at my sisters for now, and then I’ll look at getting my own property.

“They [the Charity] do a good job. Everyone deserves a chance – once you lot give them that chance it’s up to them to take it on board.”