From December 3rd to the 10th Switchback will be ‘painting a different picture of prison release’. For this appeal we have collaborated with London artist, Fran Copeman, and we will be sharing with you some of the first-hand stories and experiences of four inspiring Trainees. Each individual and their personal story will highlight how your support will directly help our Trainees to thrive on the outside and build a life full of positive opportunities. During Big Give week all donations will be match-funded, making them worth double until we hit our target of £40,000. Please consider a donation today.
“I grew up in East London and had a simple, quiet childhood up until I was 15, which is when I was kicked out of school. Now I wish I could go back, I could have done a lot more, but at the time I felt I was being trapped – it was almost like jail. There was too much regime and it didn’t challenge me – I found it boring.
“On the day I was released from prison I felt elated and ecstatic. No-one wants to be in jail. The first thing I did was go to my mum’s. She baked a cake and had a banner. I was with the family and had some lamb shank, some Somali rice – it was a very good day. I missed my mum the most when I was inside.
“Switchback has impacted my life a lot. They got me my job at one of their hospitality training partners and other opportunities. Shout out my Mentor Abbie. I don’t know what the future holds for me just yet, but I know it doesn’t involve jail. I’m certain of that. I want to do something of value.
“I didn’t know what I wanted to do back then, but now I know that if I do certain steps I can’t fail. No matter what it is, there’s gonna be something that works for me, I just have to try things. Eventually I’ll find something that’s my bag or something that makes sense. You can’t fail with that formula. Right now, I’m working at a cafe and trying to open up a little food truck business. I’m going to save my money from there and then use it to put my plans into action.
“I work front of house as a barista serving the coffee and food and taking orders. I’d tell anyone who was in the same situation as me to do it. It’s a big help. The first few weeks my head was all over the place, and some people in my situation might not even have a family that’s supporting them financially. You don’t want to come out of prison and go back straight in. It can be hard.
“If my voice could influence people who are in my situation, I’d push people to do small, positive things, because there’s a whole spectrum of positive, nice things that people can do. It could be something little to start off with, or something big to end off with.
“My goal going forward is to be happy. That’s it.”
Please click this link to support more young men, like Mohamed, to live life differently and thrive today.
