Keys to change - a story of transformation

"I arrived at the Dick Stewart service in 2021 having just served many years in prison for crimes including murder, assault and drug offences.

Much of my childhood was spent within care homes and I developed a drug habit early on in life. I've lived a life with little structure and made many mistakes which I now have acknowledged.

On my arrival to the service, I was somewhat sceptical about what I could achieve from staff support and through care plans which includes things such as the Outcome Star. However, I settled into the service quickly and built up a very good relationship with key worker who met with me regularly and had many talks.
Me and my key worker worked through the various parts of the Outcome Star together and seen my journey of change take place when I steadily made improvements in most, if not all, of the areas covered in the Star. I took on the responsibility of attending all of my appointments both within and out with the Dick Stewart service while keeping my room to a high standard for living in.

I had support to manage my money and to budget for food, rent, activities and anything else I needed.

I remained abstinent from illicit drug use and of alcohol due to the support of my keyworker, staff, the service and my family.

My main inspiration was my son who visited me in the service where he felt welcomed.

My success within the Dick Stewart service was recognised by management when they offered me the opportunity to be the first service user to live in the new outreach flat located nearby. I was excited by this news and moved in soon afterwards in. My Key worker continued to offer me support in my new tenancy and visited me regularly to ensure that my progress continued, which it did. I managed my flat very well, doing everything that needs doing in order to maintain a successful tenancy such as pay my gas and electricity, council tax and TV license on time. I did my housework each day and kept everything clean and tidy. I bought my shopping and cooked meals that I learned while I was in the service.

My son enjoyed me cooking for him and this brought us closer together. 

This temporary flat with staff support was the perfect bridge between the Dick Stewart service and my own independent occupancy as it put my mind at ease knowing that I was very much capable of taking care of my own affairs and living life in a positive, functional manner.
I moved to my own place in 2022. 

My Key worker said that I really have made incredible achievements and perhaps my greatest achievement is my relationship with my son whom I've struck up a fantastic bond with. He told me that I should be very proud of myself in how

I have completely turned my life around and my future looks very bright, all the more so with my son very much involved in it.

Find out more about the Dick Stewart service.