STORIES OF CLIENTS
The Chaplaincy

Steven ********

When I was released from prison I was homeless but had an interview at an hostel. I met Drew when I got off the train & he came with me. The hostel accepted my referral but didn’t have a space at that time. This was a Friday & the night shelter was closed until Tuesday. The first night I used my discharge grant to stay in a bed & breakfast. I slept rough until the Tuesday when Danny referred me to the night shelter.

The nights I slept rough were harsh but Drew would meet up with me the next day, even on Saturday & Sunday, and we would have breakfast & he said to me ” Where would you rather be….on the streets or in prison? It’s not the best situation but it WILL get better.” After a week or so at the night shelter a bed came up at the hostel. It wasn’t the best of places but better than the night shelter, sleeping rough or prison.

I went to GMCC every day they were open for a chat, something to eat & meet my mentor Arthur. Jean helped me with my CV & Danny referred me to EXCELL. Ormand found me a job at a day centre doing catering. Last week I moved into my new house!!!! I now have a home, a job & ongoing support from GMCC.

Mary told me once that change is possible but it takes time. Soon I will have been out of prison for a year. Looking back to the nights I slept rough I never thought I would be where I am today. GMCC were instumental in my progression & even though I am now on my feet I still go to the cafe to see Arthur & the team.

Offenders Letter from inside prison.

My name is —– —— and I am currently in HMP Manchester. I am writing to say that I attended the Bible group meetings on A Wing, which is run by church volunteers. I would like to say thanks to the following church volunteers for doing such a fantastic job; Alan, Duncan, John and Brian. I would also like to say a special thank you to Marlene, she is a lady with a very warm heart and she makes me feel better about myself every time I see her.

I just wanted them to know that they do a very worthwhile job. I will continue to go to the church groups and I hope to find a good church to go to when I am released.

Thank you very much for taking the time to read this letter.

Yours sincerely