case study - merseysidecrc.co.uk building liverpool l3 1qx 01442 295000...
TRANSCRIPT
Merseyside Community Rehabilitation Company 2nd Floor Cunard Building Liverpool L3 1QX 01442 295000 [email protected] www.merseysidecrc.co.uk
CASE STUDY
“My dad left when I was sixteen and mum turned to drink. Drinking claimed her life in 1995. The grief claimed mine and I landed in prison.”
August 2017
KENNY Wilson, 35, spent over 15 years in and
out of prison and has now secured full time
employment at Rotunda Community College.
On and off probation since 1996, Kenny’s case is
currently being managed by Merseyside
Community Rehabilitation Company (M CRC).
Kenny was first arrested at 19 for driving without a
license or insurance and spent 18 months in prison
returning a total of six times over 15 years for
similar driving offences.
Kenny said: “My dad left when I was sixteen and
mum turned to drink. Drinking claimed her life in
1995. The grief claimed mine and I landed in
prison.”
With no family support after his mother’s death,
Kenny turned to cannabis to fill the void.
Kenny said: “I was alone after my Dad left and in
and out of hostels and children’s homes and pris-
ons all my life.”
He was arrested for the last time in 2012 for
supplying class A drugs to feed his family and
support his cannabis habit.
Leigha Aldridge, M CRC case manager, said: “I
had a real concern about Kenny re-offending.
When he came to me with concerns about his
order, I referred him to Rotunda so he could
complete his unpaid work hours and use the skills
he learned in prison.”
Kenny obtained numerous trade certificates along
with sports hall training and peer mentoring
diplomas from Manchester College.
He said: “I stayed in prison as a peer mentor an
extra six months to help others inside see a way
out. I got my head down to turn my life around.”
On his current case manager Leigha, Kenny said:
“Leigha helped me get a flat which was more than
any case manager had ever done before.
“She really listens to me and takes an interest in
my life. She treats me like an equal. She has al-
ways done that extra bit to make a difference.”
After completing his unpaid work order at Rotunda
Community Campus, Kenny continued on at
Rotunda as a volunteer. CEO Maxine Ennis was so
impressed with his progress she offered him full
time employment in the café as a chef.
Maxine said: “Kenny is a whirlwind; he brings so
much energy and enthusiasm to Rotunda.
“He can turn his hand to most things - gardening,
maintenance, catering - a real asset to Rotunda
and very much a part of the team.”
About Rotunda, Kenny said: “I have always felt
supported here. They do a lot of things for the
community.
“The café is a great place for people to come if they
feel lonely.”
Kenny added: “It’s been a hard graft but I also credit my current partner Rachel Fairclough for all her support through the rough times.
“I can go home knowing I have contributed to the community. I want my kids to be proud.”
CASE STUDY
“He can turn his hand to most things —gardening, maintenance, catering — a real asset to Rotunda and very much a part of the team.”
Revolving prison door closes for serial re-offender as job opportunity opens serving the community