A 22-year-old has shown that it is possible to turn it all around after he left prison last year. Leo Deacon moved away from the Gwent valleys to start a new life in Bridgend, and has been encouraged by his new community by realising that things really can get better.
According to Newport Magistrate's Court, Leo was sentenced to 52 weeks in prison after pleading guilty to breaching a criminal behaviour order, sending an indecent/offensive communication and two counts of assaulting an emergency worker. But he is hoping that the work he has done on himself will mean it does not happen again.
Two months after coming out of prison Leo was at risk of becoming homeless due to some issues going on in his family home. He ended up seeking help from a charity working to end homelessness - Emmaus.
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He took the leap of moving away from his hometown and settled in the charity’s community house, Nant Lais. This accommodation is free to people who accept support from the charity and can get involved with their work in the community.
Leo’s hope is that he will be able to have his own place in about a year, and that being at Emmaus will give him the life skills to become even more independent. Since being in Bridgend, he has been helping in the town’s charity superstore as well as the area’s famous "Lucie the Land Train", and now has a fresh outlook on life.
"It wasn't the best being in prison so close to Christmas and my birthday and things like that but I just tried to get on with it, and do the courses on offer when I could," Leo told WalesOnline. "Things were very difficult around Christmas time when I went home so I knew something had to change.
"I would say that moving to Bridgend has given me a new lease of life. I'm now able to make the most of the different areas and outdoor space it has like the sea, and I've now got a pass to go to the gym so I'll be able to go and use those facilities too.
"Since I moved to the Bridgend area, it's far enough away that I'm living a different life but still close enough for me to go home if I need to. I've also got a whole new social circle around me and really get on with some of the other people at the charity's accommodation."
Although some people can be put off by the requirements of Emmaus which mean that anyone using the services must give up drinking, drugs and take part in a certain number of hours a week, Leo has enjoyed the chance to get used to a working environment. He said: "Being back into a working routine I really enjoy working with customers, as well as the other kind of jobs the charity offers.
"Sometimes my role is focusing on collections and deliveries, meaning I could be at a shop booking a collection in to get someone's furniture so it's very varied and then I might be out in the van delivering or collecting something from one of the charity shops. And the customers seem to notice that and comment how we are jacks of all trades."
Leo is of the mind that anyone should feel like they can access support and turn their own lives around if they need to. He said: "I'd say to anyone who might find themselves in my situation to never give up, and try to think positively.
"I know it's hard sometimes, but if you can - apply for Emmaus. You can apply yourself online, and I think if you can get that support it can make all the difference."
To apply for a room at Emmaus, visit www.emmaus.org.uk/get-help
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