23 year old Wayne Smith comes from south London.  He won an award from St Giles Trust this September in recognition of the way he had overcome many barriers to turn his life around.

"I first got involved crime for something to do.  To begin with, it was just going out and doing stupid things for the excitement. I’ve got three convictions and my last prison sentence was four years.  I was held in HMP Portland which is about four hours away from London.  It was expensive for my family to visit so I chose not to have my family day because I didn’t want to put them out.

When I was released from prison I moved back with my mum.  However, I got stabbed within three weeks of leaving prison.  My family were concerned for me as I lived in the area where I got stabbed.  So I first came into contact with St Giles Trust for help to get re-housed in a safe area and they found me a room in a houseshare.

I’m currently doing a course through St Giles Trust – an NVQ Level 3 in Information, Advice and Guidance.  As part of my vocational placement I’m volunteering on a St Giles Trust project called Choices which helps young people into training and employment. I’ve done training in prison such as budgeting, money management, painting and decorating and literacy.  But this NVQ is good as the career prospects are rewarding and it opens many doors.

I’d like to get into youth work and help people who have had similar experiences to me. I’d like to work with young people who are involved in gangs or on the road to getting involved. I think there needs to be a better realisation of what they are getting involved in and the longer term effects as obviously that’s what I’ve learned.

I’ve also done IT training, motivational techniques and interview skills training all through St Giles Trust.  I’m about to do training in safeguarding vulnerable children. If St Giles Trust hadn’t been there I wouldn’t have done any of this training and I definitely wouldn’t be working on Choices.

I’m living back with my family now and my relationship with them is good.

One of the great things about St Giles Trust is that it gives you role models.  They have all been through similar experiences and they can relate to me. If I hadn’t seen that I would have thought it impossible for someone to come out of prison and do youth work. I’m ready for the next step forward in my life.  I’m quite nervous but confident I’ll get there!"