Michael turns exclusion into inclusion

21st June, 2011

Michael Hunt, 32, from Stockton is turning his life around with the help of Five Lamps and Integrated Offender Management (IOM) Worker Jodie Hind

Michael has spent the majority of his life in prison due to drug addiction and a chaotic and unsettled lifestyle. Michael was referred to Jodie Hind at Five Lamps by Scott Freebrain, Employment and Benefits Advisor based in H.M.P Acklington, Northumberland in February 2011.

On his release from prison on the 4 March 2011, Michael with the help of Jodie and Five Lamps’ Employability Team has been able to break the vicious offending/prison cycle that made up his life previously. Michael has responsibly tackled his issues head on and has made great progress on many other fronts. For the first time in his life, Michael is engaging services of his own choice and is considering accessing training which will allow him to apply for employment.

Michael is no longer at a loss with what to do with his life. He has direction. He has turned hopelessness to hope, and fear to confidence. This was achieved with specialist one to one listening and support work from Jodie and with assistance from local recovery groups. Michael engages with Five Lamps on a weekly basis.

Michael said “It’s great to have the help of someone who has faced many of the problems that I face and go through. With Jodie’s experience I feel I have a chance today and will continue with the hard work. Thanks Five Lamps for making me matter”

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