John
Category: Youth Employability
John is a young person who is keen to move on from reoffending. He has many barriers to overcome, including issues with misuse of alcohol and drugs. He is hoping to progress into employment, as he knows having a job will prevent him from becoming involved in offending behaviour and motivate him to become more independent.
John has many "friends" who often contact him to ask if he wants to join them in getting high or to go for a drink. As he has no occupation and is bored, he gives in to their temptations. However, having realised he needs to get out of his current situation, John is working with NIACRO's Youth Employability programme to complete qualifications for a Forklift Licence and CSR card. He aims to seek employment in the warehousing industry.
Within his community John has been labelled as "trouble" and he feels that difficulties may arise in the future with some employers. Through the Youth Employability programme, John will be supported by his Project Worker in contacting potential employers and putting together a statement of disclosure of his offences.
John is philosophical when reflecting on his past: "I no longer beat myself up about what's happened in the past as enough people will do that for me. My goal now is about moving on and to make more constructive use of my time."