Steve Kelly

"I am over the moon to have been offered this position. I have really enjoyed everything about Rebuild with Hope, from working in a busy environment to building on my existing skills and learning new ones.”

Steven Kelly began his journey with the Remade with Hope workshop at one of the prison workshops we run in October 2022. Before his incarceration, he had gained valuable experience working in a warehouse, a field he enjoyed and was eager to return to upon his release. However, with time away from the workforce, he knew he needed an opportunity to rebuild his confidence, refresh his skills, and prove his dedication to potential employers.

From the moment he joined the workshop, Steve demonstrated an exceptional work ethic and a strong willingness to learn. His commitment and attention to detail quickly set him apart, and he was soon promoted to a supervisor role within the workshop. Here, he had the opportunity to refine and expand his expertise in various areas, including receiving and processing incoming stock and materials, repurposing and recycling products, packing and dispatching orders, and managing, organising, and retrieving stock. These tasks not only reinforced his previous experience but also provided him with new skills that would enhance his employability upon release.

Recognizing his dedication, Steve was offered a volunteering opportunity at one of our warehouses, where he continued to showcase his reliability, leadership, and commitment to self-improvement. His role allowed him to gain further experience in warehouse operations, particularly excelling in quality control. As part of his ongoing professional development, he completed several accredited qualifications, including First Aid at Work, Manual Handling, and PAT Testing. Additionally, he participated in non-accredited training programs focused on essential life skills, such as social well-being, mental health awareness, and team building. These courses not only prepared him for the workforce but also helped him develop personally, giving him the confidence to take on greater responsibilities.

Recognising his potential, Steve was invited to work at one of our warehouses supporting the charity Rebuild with Hope. He was offered a full-time position on a work license from prison, which allowed him to gain real-world experience while still serving his sentence. Once again, Steve proved his value to the organization, excelling in his role and earning the trust of his colleagues and supervisors. His leadership skills did not go unnoticed, and he was soon promoted to train new volunteers, helping others gain the same opportunities that had been so instrumental in his own growth.

When Steve was finally released from prison, his journey with Rebuild with Hope did not end. Due to his outstanding performance and unwavering dedication, he was offered a full-time position as a Warehouse Supervisor. The transition from a workshop trainee to a supervisor in a professional warehouse environment was a testament to his resilience, hard work, and commitment to rebuilding his life.

Reflecting on his journey, Steve expressed his pride in what he had accomplished:
"I am over the moon to have been offered this position. I have really enjoyed everything about Rebuild with Hope, from working in a busy environment to building on my existing skills and learning new ones. Every aspect of the training has helped me progress. The staff at Remade and Rebuild with Hope have made me feel very welcome; they include you in everything within the business and make you feel part of the team."

Steve’s story is a powerful example of personal transformation, illustrating the impact that support, opportunity, and perseverance can have on an individual’s journey toward a better future. Through his hard work, he not only regained his confidence but also became a valuable mentor for others looking to follow in his footsteps. His success highlights the importance of rehabilitation programs that provide second chances, proving that with the right support, individuals can overcome past challenges and achieve meaningful, long-term success.