Those who inspire us…
Paul
" Coming from a prison and addiction background I became really interested in the work that Release was doing. Release's mentorship programmes in the prisons were very appealing and I worked to become a mentor myself. This led me to take a part time position leading, developing and presenting the Recovery course in Mountjoy prison”. In addition, I have had the privilege of working with the probation services on different initiatives, including a campaign to convince the insurance industry that ex-prisoners could be insured to run their own enterprises.
After 2 years volunteering with Release I had the desire to start a business and Release became the support mechanism to help that happen. With the help of a number of agencies I received training and became equipped to run a a social enterprise.
Since then I have started New Creation Cleaning Services* which is a social enterprise giving training, mentoring and employment to people recovering from the effects of addiction and imprisonment.”
“Moving on From a Conviction”, Pauls powerful story on the RTE Radio Claire Byrne Show Listen here: Rte Radio 1 Today with Claire Byrne
Listen to Paul's amazing journey to New Creation Cleaning Services here on: Spotify
Dream it
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Dream it 〰️
John
Never in a million years did I imagine or believe that my activities would lead to an arrest, a CCJ trial, and a 6-year prison sentence.
The moment that changed my life forever was the day my mother came to visit me in prison. I was now locked up nearly 3 months and this was the first and last time I would see my mother during my time in prison.
I started making changes from that moment, and started attending the school in prison. I eventually moved to an open prison and the story of my education continued. By the time of my release, I had completed the entrance exams for UCD.
I was now embarking upon a new journey. My mother and father now see a different man before them. A man with a purpose and a man they could be proud of.
I discovered the organization RELEASE and the incredible staff that are so helpful. They helped me believe that anything is possible.
I am now working for a large organization, I have completed my degree and soon I will have my masters completed. The next step is completing a PHD in social inequality pertaining to the housing and homelessness sector.
So, for all who are reading this and feel lost and alone, there is help out there. But you have to make the first move and show a willingness to make a change in your life.