Throughout my young life, I lived through servere Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and trauma to the point of being taken into care.
I now work as a Child Looked After Specialists for the Youth Offending Service.
Between my time in Care and becoming a professional, I spent almost 4 years in custody spread across 4 prison sentences for various offences.
I was smoking by 11 and taking drugs aged 12 which were given to me by an adult. I was excluded from school which was a catalyst for the chain of events that unfolded which led me to my first prison sentence age just 17.
I would like my story of change to help others facing similar adversity to over come drug addiction, cycle of offending and help children in Care raise their aspiration.
Professionals working directly with young people that offend can gain a better understanding of the details that young people often keep to themselves.
As children we make choices, however some choices are made for us and our choices are often based on behaviours we learn from those closest to us.
With your help, the publisher has agreed to publish in Spring 2019, however I need to raise £2000 for initial costing.
The book is titled 'Your Honour - Can I Tell You My Story' and is a Story of sorrow and achievement.
If you can support me, please contribute as any amount will count and those that wish will receive a special mention in the book.
Initial proceeds of the book will go to charity.
Thank you.