Lawrence Everett comes from west London.  He is 27 years old. He was referred by his Probation Officer to St Giles Trust’s SOS Project which works with prolific young offenders.  SOS caseworkers are all reformed ex-offenders.

"I started smoking weed at school and that is when I started getting into trouble.  I got involved with negative vibes and negative people.  When we got older we started doing stuff like stealing bikes.  I went to prison when I was 17 for a couple of months.  I came out for two years then I ended up getting a six year sentence for robbery.  Going to prison for a long sentence was daunting at first but you just have to crack on with it.

I got released from prison and stayed out of trouble.  My daughter Charlie was born when I was in prison and when I was released I moved in with her mum.  However, I started slipping back into my old ways - doing crime and smoking weed.  I was back in the same rut again and was at risk of getting back into trouble.  

About ten months ago my Probation Officer introduced me to Elroy from St Giles Trust’s SOS Project. It’s made a real difference having support from someone who has been through it themselves.  He believes in me and knows I’ve got talent so I’ve got my confidence back.  

I knew I had talent as an actor and Elroy got me involved in a film project.  This gave me some confidence.  Then off my own back I went to an audition and now I’ve got a call back from the Director.  It’s a film about a guy who is a criminal but there are all these reasons behind why he’s like this.  The script is like my own experiences so it’s fitted me down to a tee.

I can ring Elroy at any time I want and he’s there.  I come from a good family but I was a problem child and didn’t get along with my parents.  Now things are good and I see them every week.

Charlie is five.  I have her for the weekend every fortnight and if her mum is on holiday.  

I think what St Giles Trust does is great because if Elroy wasn’t there I would probably end up back in prison.  Tomorrow I’m going to a conference on youth offending in south London and will be speaking about my experiences.  So I’m doing a little bit of Elroy’s work for him!"