Ian ended up in prison as a result of drug addiction, losing not only his home but his relationship and family ties, as well as his own confidence and self-belief.
“I was ready to change my life but I had no direction or motivation to do so until I met Recycling Lives,” he says.
Recycling Lives is a provider of award-winning waste management services, but aims to have a much bigger impact upon the community. The company offers work placements and employment opportunities to formerly homeless men or ex-offenders so they can regain their independence through work.
This was a main part of my recovery and rehabilitation
Ian regained a sense of stability he believed would never return after enrolling with one of Recycling Lives’ nine HMP Academies, which offer offender rehabilitation programmes in prisons.
“The opportunities it gave me were worth the hard work,” Ian says. “It gave me routine and responsibility so it was a main part of my recovery and rehabilitation.”
Upon release from prison, Ian moved into the residential side of Recycling Lives’ initiative in Preston, undertaking work placements. He was soon offered a full-time job, allowing him to move into his own home.
