The ex-offenders programme is led by a team of ex-offenders who speak from their own experience about:

• crime and its consequences
• the dangers of drug involvement
• what prison is really like

At London Care Solutions we have found that it can be difficult to convince young people of the dangers and consequences of drugs and crime when you are perceived as an authority figure far removed from life on the streets or in prison.

We have found that young people respond and relate best to someone who has been in a similar situation and who has first hand experience of the difficulties they are going through.

Some of our youth workers have had troubled adolescences and young adulthoods, perhaps having come through drug dependency or having served prison sentences. They are able to explain from the ‘horse’s mouth’ why the choices they took were the wrong ones, the stark realities of prison life and the real dangers of drugs. Their stories strike a chord with many young people prompting them to think about the choices they are making.

We offer schools and referral units a programme, where ex-offenders meet the young people and with the help of some startling images, tell them about crime and its consequences. Drawing on their own experiences to give an unusual, honest account of life on the street and in prison.

Your choice

The programme can be delivered in the form of a presentation (e.g. in school assembly) or as a classroom workshop, but we are willing to be flexible and adapt to other suggestions depending on the organisation’s needs.

Tony

Tony made a promising start to his life and by the age of 15 had nine GCSEs above C grade. Sadly he started using solvents and just a year later had to be revived having 'died' from solvent abuse. By 17 years of age he was a known drug dealer in the local area, dealing drugs to fuel his own habit and at 18 he was given a 12 month prison sentence.

"The people you meet in a Category A prison are – scary! We show the young people pictures of the kinds of injuries you can receive in prison from other inmates. We make it clear that 90% of crime has a drug element and that if you get involved with drugs, prison is where you are likely to end up."

"I like to de-glamourise prison life and to smash the myth that you can be ‘top dog’, in reality the only top dogs are the warders because they hold the keys."

Tony has been working with London Care Solutions since he left prison.

Ras

Ras was a promising athlete, at 15 he was borough champion at both 200 metres and the high jump. He joined an Athletics club when he was 16 and had an exciting career ahead of him but he started to use performance enhancing drugs (stimulants and anabolic steroids), he weighed 242 lbs by the time he was 17 as a result of the steroids. During the next year Ras began working as a bouncer, started selling drugs (Cocaine, Ecstasy, Cannabis and others) and became involved with organized crime and known villains. He moved on to committing armed robberies but was soon caught.

"When I had a gun in my hand, I felt like a big man, but when I shot someone I felt like a frightened little boy."

Ras was sent to the Old Bailey and sentenced to serve 12 ½ years. He was released from prison after seven years for good behaviour.

"It was amazing how quickly my life took a downward spiral, as a result of the bad choices I made; I ended up with no choices at all because I was in prison."

Ras has been working with London Care Solutions since he left prison.

the young peoples’reactions...

"I really enjoyed your talk it was interesting and has made me feel completely different about life and drugs… now I know where to go and have some idea of what I want to do with my life." Charly

"I really think you story was touching. Thank you for putting that insight into my head. I now think about Cannabis in a different way. Before you gave us this talk I wouldn’t of thought about prison and life in the way I do now." Marcus

"I thought your talk was very good and enjoyed what you had to say. You made me think about what life would be inside prison. I rate you for coming off the drugs." Sean

"I think after hearing you talking about what happened to you I think that was the turn for me. I think I will want to stay away from any drugs and illegal activity in the future, thank you."Robert

"It made me think how scared I would be if I had to go to prison. I will make sure that does not happen to me." Jade

From a professional perspective…

"The young people remained fixed on your experiences and talked about it next day. I hope you feel able to continue the work you are doing and share with as many as you can. It is obvious that you will have an influence on some that listen to you."Brent Pupil Referral Unit

"I have seen and heard many presentations to school pupils during my time as a Youth Engagement Officer, but I have never seen the reaction from the pupils that I saw during your sessions." Brent Police Partnership Unit

"Tony was excellent with the pupils. His style is very ‘street’ and they were totally absorbed by the presentation." Year 9 Head Teacher