Paul’s story | Dave's story | Allison's story | Bartley's story
I am 51 years old. I think I will start my story in the year 2000 aged 34, when I was sentenced to four years in prison for drugs and firearms offences and aggravated burglary. I was released from prison in 2003 and went back to live with my mum. It wasn’t long before I started getting involved with drugs again and associating with the same people. I needed to try and get away. I met a girl, but we were both dealing with difficult things and were unhappy. I felt if I moved to Luton where she lived, we could give it a go and I could get over my stuff. By 2013 however, I swallowed my pride and came into Signposts. I had had enough - my relationship had deteriorated and I had nowhere to live.
"I felt my confidence building, the people were so nice, it made me want to give something back - and it felt good to be giving something back."
Straight away I liked the people and felt comfortable and safe. I didn’t like all the rules much, but I liked the place. I started getting involved with Team SP. I helped with setup and marshalling at the fireworks event and litter picking at the River Lea, whatever was going on. I wanted to jump on it and get involved. I felt my confidence building, the people were so nice, it made me want to give something back - and it felt good to be giving something back. It felt like I was turning over a new leaf. I started to feel positive about myself and my life, I started going to the gym and wanted to get involved with everything that was going on.
I got my own flat and left Signposts. The first day I got the key and walked in to view the flat the answer was "yes I want it" - it felt so good and gave me a huge sense of security. For the first time in many years I felt I had achieved something, after many years of wrong choices I felt the consequences of those choices were now behind me. I had achieved this, this was my future. It’s just amazing - like I am free again.
Be a part of someone’s journey to a brighter future
We have been at the forefront of new developments for over 30 years, and we are extremely proud to have incorporated a number of innovative approaches to support provision. Times have changed and jargon has changed, but the need to find hope and dignity is still the overriding aspiration for those who come to Signposts.
The wonderful group of people we support possess an array of skills and talents, which sometimes lay dormant, but can be used to benefit both the individual and our local community. Our aim is to provide a culture of using and sharing these skills, learning new skills, and working together to create a great community. Your generous donation will be used to fund our work.
If you are interested in donating on a regular basis or want to fundraise for us, we would be delighted to hear from you. For more information please contact info@signpostsso.org.
