“Framework opened a door for me and I ran through it!” - Pat’s story

In 2007 Pat was released from prison, where he had spent over five years for robbery. Whilst in prison he got over his drug problem and studyed for an NVQ. However upon his release he received little support with what to do next.

"My life was turned upside down and I needed help had nowhere to go. For 6 months I stayed with various friends not knowing what I should do."

Pat then came across Framework who provided him with short term accommodation in Lenton where he stayed for 10 weeks. He also started to volunteer as a mentor for Double Impact - an organisation who helps people with drug and alcohol issues.

Pat felt that his life was still not going anywhere and the temptations of falling back into crime was still an issue for him, untill he met Framework Support Worker Doug.

"Getting in contact with Doug was the best thing that has happened in my life. Afterwards my life started to go in a direction I was happy with and more opportunities became available to me."

Doug helped Pat overcome day-to-day tasks and improved his motivation, as Doug describes:"Pat knew where he wanted to be in life, so he had a good starting point. After a while of giving him support around skills he needed to live independently, he began to believe in himself and became more confident. Pat saw that he was moving forward in life and grasped the opportunities available to him. Before our help Pat may not have taken any of these chances to change his life."

Pat enrolled onto Framework's Working into Sustainable Employment (WiSE) programme for people who use or have used support services. WiSE aims to develop work ready skills and to provide real work opportunities. Pat really enjoyed the eight week course, he said: "The course was great for my personal development and I love to learn so it was ideal. Once my course had finished Framework asked if I would help to set up a reception at Wedgewood House on Carlton Road where a lot of Framework's E.V.E. (Employment, Volunteering and Employment) service is based. I designed the layout, what was needed and how it would be run. I then volunteered to cover reception for a while to try it out. Now five volunteers run the reception after it was proven as a great success."

After graduating from the WiSE programme Pat was successful in gaining a nine month contract at Framework's Academy in Wedgewood House as a Learning Support Worker. He now helps arrange courses and activities and promotes them to service users.

"My confidence and self esteem has really grown since getting in contact with Framework. It hasn't been easy and at times I have struggled. But everyone is so friendly and I feel in debt to Framework for their support and advice. Its great knowing that I can pay my own bills and that I am happy with my work and life, which is brilliant now. I hope to go on and work more with alcohol and drug service users and learn more about addiction so I can help more people sort out their lives."

"I am living proof that you can change your life and I hope that I can be a role model to others so that they can do the same."