Recycling work helped Nathan to turn his goals into reality. He was determined to get a job ready for release and our workshop in HMP Kirkham gave him that “progression”.

“I’d made a plan – to do some courses, move to an open prison, get a job and get released with a job. And that’s what I’ve done.

“I was working in a factory in prison at first, but I thought Recycling Lives would give me a better progression route,” he says. “It’s been hard work along the way, but it’s been worth it.

“I was in the workshop for six months and then I got my ROTL [approved for Release on Temporary Licence] and went to work in the Charity’s community workshop at Essex Street. I did loads of different roles there, got qualified to drive a my forklift truck and did a banksman course.

“When it came to getting released I got put forward for an interview with Recycling Lives Services and got the job.

“The job wasn’t immediately available though, so Alasdair let me stay on in the community workshop in between, still being paid too. Otherwise, I’d have had nothing to do with my days.

“Work’s been a massive part of my journey – it’s your routine and structure. The team I work with is sound, too.”

Read Nathan’s story in full in our latest Impact Report – download your copy here.

To protect privacy, picture above shows another past participant, Chris.