Darren Tipping knows first hand how easy it is for troubled youngsters to become trapped in prison ’s revolving door.
He felt destined for a life of crime after falling in with a bad crowd and developed a serious addiction to ecstasy.
Following the wrong path led to a four-and-half year prison sentence – and the realisation that he needed to turn his life around.
Darren, 25, said: “All I wanted to do was drink, take loads of pills and party.
“It reached the stage where I was getting into serious trouble.
“I had so many outstanding warrants that I didn’t know what I’d do but when I was handed such a long sentence, it was a huge wake-up call.”
While serving his sentence at Polmont Young Offenders’ Institute, he discovered Action for Children’s Moving On project.
They support males aged 16-21 who are in custody or have recently been freed, reducing the risk of re-offending and minimising the likelihood of them being returned to custody.
Nearly 80 per cent of those involved don’t reoffend within two years, compared with a national average of 50 per cent.
They are given help finding somewhere to live, claiming benefits and registering with a GP, as well as more targeted help to tackle addiction and anger management.
Darren, from Inverclyde, said: “I was terrified of what would happen on my release. I’d no idea how to cope and that’s where Moving On stepped in to help by working on an action plan for my release.
“I was also given the opportunity to undergo therapy sessions which made me more positive about my future.”
Darren was also invited to join the charity ’s Yes Chef programme. It places six would-be chefs in top catering facilities and gives them the chance to demonstrate new skills by cooking a six-course meal for guests at a charity event.
Many of the lads taking part go on to secure employment and Darren credits it with helping him re-evaluate his life.
He said: “It’s been one of the most rewarding projects of my career.”
Today, Darren is a support worker with the charity and said a lot can be learned from ex-offenders who have stayed out of trouble.
He also helps run Yes Chef and is keen to help other young offenders rebuild their lives.
Darren said: “If it wasn’t for Moving On, I don’t know where I’d be. I’ve learned from my mistakes and moved on.”
Mark Eardley, 22, became involved with the project after going off the rails as a teenager.
He credits Moving On with giving him time to reflect on where he went wrong and helping him to move forward.
Mark, from Greenock, said: “Attending workshops at Moving On motivated me to think seriously about my life.
“I took part in Yes Chef and the skills I gained helped me secure a job as a chef – the first full-time job I’ve ever held. It has changed me for the better.”
Joe Bryers, service co-ordinator for Moving On at Action for Children Scotland, said: “Research has shown that short-term prisoners have the highest level of social need and the highest rates of reconviction.
“This is often because very little work can be done in the short period of time they spend in prison. Moving On is effective in this regard because of its immediate connection with young men while they are in prison and its continued support following their release.
“The results speak for themselves – 93 per cent of prisoners who enrol in Moving On continue to engage with the project after leaving prison.”
Stephen Carroll
Stephen Carroll was locked up for six months and describes the charity as safe haven – a place of emotional and practical support.
With their help, he has completed his Duke of Edinburgh Award and is hoping to gain employment.
Stephen, from Kilmarnock, added: “I’d probably still be behind bars if it wasn’t for the support I’ve received. I can’t praise the staff enough and they helped rebuild my life.
“I’m more confident and determined to make something of myself.
“Prison is a punishment, and that’s how it should be.
“However, rehabilitation and preparing prisoners to go back into the community can help prevent re-offending.”
