A Pound Of Flesh

[nailit]

How much flesh does society want?
Been trying for the last 16 months to get a bit of voluntary work but because ive got convictions no one will touch me despite the fact that ive done loads of voluntary work in the past. Now im a ******* leper (or at least it feels that way).
Sorry if the tone of this post seems a bit negative, had a couple of drinks after yet another course of 'positive thinking' to get a job.
Just need to unload a bit because my head is hurting after banging it against the wall for so long...
*waits for the 'you shouldnt have broken the law' brigade to come along*
On the bright side its been a glorious day :-)

[pixie373]

What type of voluntary work are you looking for, nailit? Some of them will obviously depend on whether you have convictions for violence (and i don't know whether yours are). It does seem really tough at the moment for everybody, to be honest. Have you tried places such as Rehab, Homeless centres, mental health organisations? They often actively look for people that have an understanding of other people's vulnerability.

[nailit]

Hi Pixie, yes I have convictions for violence but they were years ago, against other men and are all spent. Since then ive done years of voluntary work without any issues, but now they have bought out DBS checks and nobody want know.
//Have you tried places such as Rehab, Homeless centres, mental health organisations? They often actively look for people that have an understanding of other people's vulnerability.//
Unless youve been there yourself,...in my experience of the last 16 months anyway.
Just getting a bit sick and tired now of having my convictions thrown at me when im trying to get my life on track again. Dont know about a pound of flesh, might as well have it all. No use to me . (or anyone else it seems)

[pastafreak]

I would have suggested homeless/soup kitchens also. I know the organisation I work for(small local charity) would certainly consider you. In fact,one of our best support workers is a former user with convictions. Maybe local Church affiliated charities would be better...don't worry,they won't try to convert you! They might be more flexible/open minded.

[shoota]

Have you got a branch of 'Emmaus' near to you?
They may be able to assist.

[shoota]

http://www.emmaus.org.uk/get_involved

[nailit]

Thanks Pasta, seems to be a regional thing but no joy. Wouldnt mind doing voluntary work for a church organization (with no worries about conversion)...just not happening (He's got convictions, blah blah blah)
shoota, whats emmaus?

[nailit]

lol, crossed posted. will av a look now

[humbersloop]

Try the Apex Charitable Trust or Nacro's Resettlement Plus helpline for some advice nailit

and keep plugging away

[shoota]

Its a charity that deals with the homeless and addicted offering them accommodation and work in establishments that recycle second hand goods. Its big in France (a good place to look for bric-a-brac) and is growing over here.
If you click on the headings on the page I linked to you will get an official explanation but they do need/use volunteers and are used to dealing with folk who may have strayed a step or two.

[humbersloop]

http://www.apextrust.com

https://www.nacro.org.uk

[DTCwordfan]

It's all part of the fight that you are going through, nailit....keep at it, as you'll find something that's good for you. Frustrating yes, but in the longer run, rewarding and, yes, it takes time, a lot of it indeed, to get back into society and be seen as a clean citizen.

The fact that you are venting on here is a good thing - far better us than bottling it all up.

[murraymints]

I just want to wish you the very best of luck nail xx hope someone gives you a break soon !

[nailit]

Thanks guys,
done all the NACRO stuff thanks, same old, same old. Some posotive thinking. Thought posotive for the last16 months since conviction and got the same old ***.
Been through NACRO, JHP TRAINING, through JET, through a programme with the mental health services, Through the probation service, through the blah, blah,blah sevice. Call me a cynic but im about to jump out of my high rise flat and hope I land on my head.

[DTCwordfan]

Okay, realistically and not speculative dreaming, what would you like to do?

[nailit]

DTC, I realy dont know anymore. Just had the stuffing knocked out of me now.
I give up...

[nelliebee]

Try asking your local vicar to see if you could keep the cemetery tidy, on a regular basis, perhaps a man of the cloth would not hold your previous problem against you, and be a bit more understanding...... Best of luck to you.

[DTCwordfan]

Then I think the best course is to get yourself in front of someone like a vicar or other support folk as suggested here and help talk this through, not least to see if they have some temporary projects.....

Once you do have an idea or two, then we can help garner resources/ideas from fellow ABers to help you achieve what you seek, and also to set in some possible routes, goals and timing......

[DTCwordfan]

ps....also seek out the Methodists - it's part of their remit to help folk and my family used to employ those coming out of prison as part of their Methodist 'community service' and the want to help folk back into society.

[sherrardk]

Where are you based?

[pixie373]

I don't know if it would be for you- but I ran Day Centres for Mind. A lot of the helpers we had there had been in prison. Because the environment meant that nobody was working alone, we had several through. Might be worth a go, as they are national.