I went to the conference in december with less hopes than i came out with. i thought they’ll see us as criminals, but they were all ears. they listened and i came out with higher hopes.
This project has been like a turning point in my life. i never thought about volunteering, but ive been shown a different way and given a 2nd chance. i feel good about myself.
I was signing on at the jobcenter since july last year. they didn’t believe i was helping user voice as a volunteer but warren came with me to the jobcentre and they put me up for a job with Alcohol and drugs services in manchester. my heart dropped when it came to the criminal record check. they asked and i explained i was facing prison, but i had a son to look after and i turned my life around.
I turned a negative into a positive and i felt proud to say it.
I started a full time paid job at ADS on 28 february.
Mario