Budding DJ, Disco Stu, fell out of step with society – and his finances – as his mental health issues and battle with alcohol played loudly on. Two criminal convictions later and determined to get back on track, Stu took all the help he was offered to turn his life around. He’s now alcohol-free, working full time, and ably managing his finances.
That mix of support began with Stu’s probation officer, who referred him to the Finance, Benefit and Debt (FBD) service delivered by Ingeus. Just one of the Commissioned Rehabilitative Services offered to people on probation, it is a key driver in reducing reoffending as people get their debts, banking, and eligible benefits in order.
“Although I’ve worked and had my own flat most of my life, everything unravelled when personal problems, depression, and alcohol sent me off the rails,” explains Stu, who is 44 and lives in Dudley. “I’ve been placed on probation, twice, and lost my job. Alcohol was my enemy.
“My money and bills were in a mess, but I was too scared to face it, to try and pick up the phone and talk to people.”
Stu’s FDB case worker stepped in. Negotiating payments with creditors, changing internet and phone service providers, and assisting Stu to apply for health-related benefits helped him realise there was light at the end of the tunnel.
“The relief, wow, I couldn’t have done it on my own,” adds Stuart, who says he feels like a new person after determinedly taking his medication and staying sober for a year.
A further referral to Ingeus also saw Stuart actively looking for work via the Restart Scheme.
After approaching local employers with his CV, a ‘call out of the blue’ saw him start work as a cleaner at a Halesowen retail centre. After fully disclosing his past troubles, he was given the chance he needed to prove himself. Following an interview and training day, he’s now working regular cleaning shifts.
Stuart is also keen to volunteer for the Ingeus peer mentor scheme, sharing his own experiences and supporting other men on probation to turn away from reoffending.
He adds: “I’m just so thankful to everyone that’s helped me – from the courts, to my probation officer, and everyone at Ingeus. Getting into trouble wasn’t the right route to get help, but I’d be in such a mess otherwise.
“In the past, I was ashamed. It took guts to admit to my drinking and the fix I’d got into with money. Ingeus gave me the confidence to speak up. I did with my new employer and they’ve given me the chance of a normal working life.
“I’d say to anyone, just take all the help that’s offered. Take it on board and get on with it. Everyone has been absolutely brilliant to me – it certainly beats community service, or worse.”
Watch Stu's story here.
