Stu came to the attention of the children's panel aged 11 years old. Expelled from High school early in his first year, he describes spending his time 'just doing his own thing', which included underage drinking, drug misuse and unsocial behaviour. Stu experienced an unsettled family life during his early teens, particularly around the time his mother moved to Wales. Stu relocated to Wales for several weeks but returned to Scotland as it 'did not work out'. This was followed by Stu living between his friend’s family home, temporary foster carers and his sister's home.
Stu's became involved with Community Justice upon his first criminal conviction in 1996 aged 14 and describes his court appearance as a 'horrible experience' and expressed how emotionally affected he was by this event. Stu recalls being kept informed about the court and trial process by his solicitor and how he received 'good' social worker support throughout. Apart from the sentence itself, Stu was no longer eligible to join the British Army, which had been an aspiration.
Stu spent the next seven years initially at Rossie (Secure and residential care and education for young people in Scotland) and HMP Noranside open prison. Stu describes custody as difficult with a number of low points and that it was generally a 'bad experience', which included further drug misuse. This had a big impact on him physically and mentally. Stu met some good friends while at Noranside that he has kept in contact with since. He also completed several education/ learning courses while at both facilities including a horticultural course, which led to work looking after the grounds of Rossie secure unit.
In periods of home leave Stu married, became a father and continued his education by completing a 2-year mechanics course at Angus College. He reflects that he was a different person when on home leave, compared to when in custody.
Upon completion of his mechanic's course, he worked for a year on placement as an apprentice car mechanic, which he enjoyed and learned a lot from. However, a failed drug test resulted in Stu absconding from the open estate for 4 days before handing himself in.
As a consequence I returned Stu to closed conditions, until 2016. The months following Stu's return to closed conditions were particular low points due to the limited contact he had with his daughter.
“One of the things that made the biggest difference to my life was my Social Worker helping me to re-establish contact with my daughter”
Stu maintained contact with both his daughter and brother, became drug-free, and undertook a number of courses and work experience placements over the following years. He received a 'second to none' report for his work and attitude from the supervisor of his last placement.
Stu was eventually released after 20 years imprisonment. He was provided temporary accommodation by Angus Council, with moral support from a housing support officer, as well as his Community Justice social work supervising officer and a practice nurse. Stu received support to apply for benefits and register with a GP. Due to a delay in receiving benefits, he was supported to apply for two crisis loans. He also constructed a CV with the help of a friend to assist his job search activities.
Stu has participated in a number of programmes with Community Justice since liberation, including 'Steps to Health' which involved walking in various outdoor locations with other service users and supervisors, an experience he really enjoyed. Stu is very aware of how exercise can be beneficial for his mental and physical health, and stated he would continue with this, despite some difficulties he experienced on occasions with an existing back injury.
He also took part in the 'Steps to Change' group. Although he thought the materials were good, he felt he did not relate as well to the other participants because of their different situations. He also felt a change of venue would have improved the experience.
Stu started the 8-week Understanding Relationship group in May 2017. He liked the group dynamic from the beginning; finding it a relaxed atmosphere with interesting and relevant information discussed in the sessions. He stated it helped him to view his relationships in a different way and led him to better understand his own issues. He also 'learned a lot' from the other participants with their different opinions, and experiences.
Stu's positive engagement and participation in the first group led to him becoming a peer mentor for the second intake and he is involved in the planning of the material and co-facilitating the third intake alongside two Community Justice Service Social Workers.
“Being trusted to become a peer mentor on the Understanding Relationships course was a real high for me. This was evidence that I had changed and I was being recognised for it. It feels great.”
Stu is also undertaking an accredited 12-week mentoring course, which could lead to paid employment.
Stu has also re-established contact with his mother and sister and continues to maintain good relationships with his daughter and brother. Stu aims to gain his driving licence and get a car in the near future. He is also planning his first overseas holiday, to Turkey later this year.