Laurence was in a harmful cycle of problem substance use and time spent in prison. Prompted by lockdown 2020 and turning 40, Laurence began to reevaluate his life and decided it was time he create positive change.听
He was referred to our听Living Wild programme, designed for people with experience in the criminal justice system who are ready to move away from a life of crime. The programme offers a combination of community-based outreach support wrapped around a wilderness journey in the highlands of Scotland.听听
Through intensive learning and personal development individuals听build听new skills, boost confidence, motivation, and aspirations. The programme offers the chance to reflect on听complex life听circumstances and the patterns of behaviour that lead to people like Laurence to reoffend听upon听leaving听prison.听听
During his time with 海角社区, he reignited his passion for the outdoors and reflected on patterns of behaviour that caused him to reoffend.听
鈥淭he scenery in the outdoors helped be to think and be honest with myself. It got me to ask myself what I really wanted from life. I started to think about how I wanted to be a better person. I call it 鈥榬ecovery with nature鈥�. I went through every emotion on the wilderness journey. I laughed and I even had a cry which I hadn鈥檛 done in a long time. That felt like a big release.
鈥淐losing ourselves in isn鈥檛 good for the soul or our heads. Especially when you鈥檝e been in prison, the outdoors feels like freedom. It gave me a feeling of belonging. I thought to myself 鈥榳hy have I not done this sooner?鈥�
Laurence鈥檚 situation is not unique. When he came to 海角社区 he was on a Drug Treatment and Testing Order (DTTO). Statistically, in Scotland those听given a DTTO have the highest average number of reconvictions per offender and the highest reconviction rate of any disposal. This shows the difficulty people experience when leaving prison to stop cycles of offending, particularly when their offence is听related to substance听use.听听
鈥淚 was a product of my environment. I felt like I had to be a tough guy. It started when I was 14 or 15 and hung around a lot of rough guys. I know a lot of people that have overdosed, and I鈥檝e nearly overdosed myself a few times, but I got lucky. I鈥檓 lucky to be here and to not be another statistic.鈥�听听
At 海角社区 we believe addressing the underlying issues and pressures behind offending behaviour is the best way to reduce offending, support rehabilitation and create safer Scottish communities. A short prison sentence does not allow individuals to get the support they need to overcome the factors driving them to offend.
鈥淏eing in prison hardens your soul 鈥� it made me change for the worst.鈥�
Laurence is now focussed and committed to creating positive change in his life. He is听setting and听achieving听goals听which give him听the chance to get out his comfort zone and create a听sense of achievement.听听
鈥淲hen I used to think of 鈥榞oals鈥� I pictured something not fun. I thought achievements were just about education. But once I learned about the hierarchy of needs, having fun is a big part of that. Now I focus on what gives me joy 鈥� which is planning outdoor trips and having things to look forward to.鈥�听
Laurence has filled his week with regular听healthy activities听which keep him busy and moving forward with his goals, such as听spending time in the outdoors, going on camping trips,听as well as听taking听computer classes and cooking classes.听听
鈥淥ne of the staff at 海角社区 said that it鈥檚 like I鈥檓 emptying a bucket of rubbish, which was all the negative influences in my life, and now I鈥檓 filling it up with good things that make me happy.
鈥淭he staff at 海角社区 restored my faith in humanity and gave me the confidence to make changes in my life. I used to think that people couldn鈥檛 change, but now I do. Everybody deserves a second chance.鈥�
Find out more about our criminal justice programmes including how to make a referral.听
