Jim served 13 years in prison. With a long gap in his CV, he was being released into a working world that had completely changed.

His skills and qualifications from before prison were out of date, and he needed to start again. The Hardman Trust funded a NEBOSH health and safety course in construction, which he was able to complete whilst still in prison. As a result, he was able to find a job immediately.

Being released on a Thursday, he was already in paid employment by the following Monday. This gave Jim the ability to find a place to live and the funds to support himself and his family. He gained independence, structure and security immediately after leaving prison – a time of uncertainty and stress for many that often leads to homelessness, mental health challenges, loss of hope, and a return to offending.

Jim is now an Assistant Project Manager and is working on a housing development. His goal is to become a Project Manager, and to eventually move into one of the homes being built on the site.