Here is my story...
In 2014 I experienced a bad time in my life which meant that I was convicted of an assault and sentenced to Prison for 23months. During this time I realised that I had to spend that time wisely and with the help of a charity whilst serving my time, I gained the skills and found a unknown aptitude for all things patchwork.
I was released from Prison in 2016 and have since found it extremely difficult to find regular employment for obvious reasons but instead of this being a hard luck story, I have actually found that this is actually a blessing in disguise. I am now trying to setup my handmade keepsake business so that I can no longer be reliant on the 'system'.
My business offers goods such as quilts of all sizes, bed runners, cushions, teddies and other soft toys and will in the future also offer personalised and customised items of jewellery as well. The business will offer free design consultations and take commissions for all types of items especially those items related to memorial and/or special occassions such as births, marriages and even deaths.
The intention of my business is to eventually be in a position to employ other ex-offenders that are released from Prison and want to take the same road as me away from crime. I want to be able to make some small contribution to helping reduce re-offending rates within the male population and even if I can only help one or two ex-offenders along the way then I will be happy.
I really hope that people out there can see and understand what I am trying to achieve and will be willing to help me begin this journey.
Some of the items offered are pictured below:
