Case Studies
Jason's story
Jason, a skilled working man with a licence to operate a dumper truck, got involved with drugs and offending behaviour. He became unemployed and seeing no future he thought about suicide. In an interview, Jason commented "I was at the end of my tether with the people I lived with and the drug use...I'd hit rock bottom.”
Jason, a skilled working man with a licence to operate a dumper truck, got involved with drugs and offending behaviour. He became unemployed and seeing no future he thought about suicide. In an interview, Jason commented "I was at the end of my tether with the people I lived with and the drug use...I'd hit rock bottom.”
Sentenced to Community Payback for his drug habit and criminal behaviour, Jason’s life began to look up thanks to the work of Lancashire Probation Trust.
“It was traumatic to begin with. It was clear Jason had descended into substance abuse and it looked hopeless.” Explained Scott, Jason’s probation officer: “But after I took over the case, I received a letter from him. It wasn’t the usual feeling sorry for yourself letter, it was desperate. A cry for help. That was the starting point.”
With hard work, Jason eventually began to recover. Colin – Jason’s Community Payback supervisor – saw the promise in him: “He had common sense and a willingness to learn – so we gave him more responsibilities. He never caused any trouble.”
Then Colin became aware of a temporary job looking for someone with Jason’s skills. He recommended him. However, Jason was struggling. Stepping up to help, Colin and Scott got in touch with Amy, a case administrator and in her own free time, she helped Jason write a professional CV. And with a new suit bought from a charity store he was ready.
Jason got the temporary position which has now resulted in a permanent position with the employer keen to work closely with Community Payback in the future. He’s also managed to get himself off the drugs: “I’m thankful because it’s made such a big difference....it's just the lengths that everyone seemed to go to. No matter what, they helped me with it – guided me in the right direction.”
Colin looked back on the time he spent with Jason favourably: “Jason came in as just another offender but it became clear he was keen to work. And when I speak to where he’s working now, they think very highly of him. It’s been a great success story and a true team effort.”
Sandra, the area’s practice manager was pleased with the work: “This is a very good success story for us as it demonstrates the value of strong cross-discipline teamwork and what can be achieved through good communication within the Service and with other agencies. It’s about the value of close working relationships and making sure the offenders change their lives around so that they are not tempted to go back to crime in the future”
