The Supported Housing programme aims to bridge the gap between prison and independent living for ex-offenders. The transfer from custody to community is a critical time when positive changes can either be cemented or lost because there are endless opportunities for men to slip back into previous patterns of drug-use and crime. Alongside ex-offenders we also welcome vulnerable men who are either recovering from addictions or are homeless. We provide advice and support so men become empowered to live independently and self-sufficiently.
The programme works to change the residents’ thinking, their relationships and their self-image. The residents receive support in overcoming their chemical dependencies and criminal thought patterns in a safe and structured supportive environment. In addition to the residential programme, they learn essential life skills – communication, social, problem solving and coping strategies. The programme is intended to give the men a sense of purpose, and they are encouraged to find work and further training. They form strong communities the houses, where they build up enough trust to support and challenge each other.
Dougie’s story (continued)
Dougie, a graduate of the prison programme, has just been released on parole, having served an eleven year sentence. He has come to live at Nehemiah’s Supported Housing Project in Streatham, where he has been adjusting to life on the outside.
“I wanted to surprise my family when I came out of prison, so I didn’t tell them which day I was coming out, I just went and saw them. “ He grins, remembering: “That was a good moment.”
“In my first week out I was rushing to get everything I’d been thinking about for so many years – a flat, a job, being near my family – but I realised it takes time and I’ve got to do it step by step. The structure here (at the Nehemiah house) helped, and I asked the staff to help me with things so I didn’t have to burden my family with it all. “
“My best moment since being out was Christmas. I was there with my family, seeing them all happy. And I was part of that happiness.”
After 10 weeks at the Supported Housing Project, Dougie is now moving to live with his mum, close by to his son. “My son is 12 and I love spending time with him. He’s at a good school, he’s doing really well, life is good.”
“I’m starting a job soon as a personal trainer and football coach. In the year ahead my goal is to get my own flat, to run the marathon, and to meet a girl I can settle down with. Things have been great since I’ve been out, and there’s so much I want to do.”
Names have been changed to protect identities
