Alan

Alan* has spent the last 20 years of his life in and out of prison. With no job or qualifications and a lifelong addiction to heroin, Alan committed crimes to fund his habit.

Alan describes prison life as “boring” and “repetitive”. He didn’t engage with many activities or people and just stayed in his cell, only coming out for food and medication.

Since attending the workshop, Alan says all that has changed. Alan comes to the workshop everyday and has recently been promoted to a “Chargehand”. This is a trusted role in the workshop, supporting the instructor and peers with bike repairs.

Alan has completed the Velotech Gold course and feels he has a much better chance of getting a job when he released

For the first time in 20 years, I have gained something from prison. I want to start my own business buying and fixing bikes – I can’t wait for the future. I feel positive about getting out and staying out, actually putting some work in and taking home a wage.

*Names have been changed to protect identities, and the picture has been taken from stock images