“I didn’t really know what to expect from this opportunity, but in the short time that I’ve been mentoring/ volunteering I’ve realised how important it is to understand someone’s lived experience, whatever their circumstances are.

I feel like this has benefited me more that it has my mentee – although I really hope it has benefited them too.

Looking at life through a lens that you may never, ever look through without these sorts of experience is immensely valuable to your own self-improvement but also to the way you might interact and communicate with others in all aspects of your life.

It’s a privilege to be part of this initiative and I would encourage anyone else to volunteer to be part of this amazing and life-changing programme.

It is amazing to see how my people react so positively to the support and attention we as mentors provide to them.

I am happy that the success they achieve in their new lives, with renewed confidence in themselves, often results in new jobs and generally improved lives.”

“I have received so many great messages and kind words I felt compelled to reach out.

I thought being part of such a process would become an unwanted chore to have to contend with alongside my day to day working activities. It wasn’t something I put my hand in the air to be a part of, more something that was requested of me to take part in.

I’m not really the type of individual to talk about work in my personal space to my family and friends, I always try to leave my bag at the front door to concentrate on the important things in life!

This weekend I found myself reminiscing about the experience with my family, do you know, they were so interested and intrigued, I felt an enormous sense of pride talking around the activities that we shared and the warm comments from the candidates.“

“I had an meeting with the Training Compliance Provider I am continuing to learn, on the job, building my skills and confidence.

Balancing professional life with academic studies, now working towards completing my master’s degree. I will reconnect with the facilitators from the construction company, who remain supportive on my journey”.

He credits the programme’s training, opportunities, and support for enabling such a positive outcome. This case highlights the life-changing impact of person-centered initiatives.

The participant’s skills did not match where he was living in a large city, in his homeland he was a farmer supporting his mum and sister as he has no father. He is now building a new community network that is improving his English as well as learning new skills. His wish is to return to working as a farmer in the future.

“It wasn’t the right time for me to be offered a place on the program.

Antz Junction continued to support me in the community whilst I was in search for employment.

Luckily it didn’t take me long to find employment through the encouragement of AJ and there willingness to help me find resources to source employment.

I have now been in employment since October and have found myself enjoying life again.

I was also offered a business mentor but due to my employment I couldn’t commit to the sessions, but I was humbled by the amount of support AJ was willing to give to me.

I now have a lot more confidence within myself and believe I am much more than my conviction. I have never worked before going to prison and I am enjoying being in employment.

AJ provided me with some great support after not getting onto a course.

I am grateful that they checked in with me every week to motivate me to reach my goals.

I have started to go to the gym regularly and would like to get my RMF railway certificate.

I have now finished the course which is great. I have a lot more confidence in myself and I am happy to of worked with people who saw past my history.

Working with Antz Junction provided me with support in gaining a diagnosis for ADHD and I have now been manage to access support for this, without them this would never of been possible.

I have also completed a railway course from being in touch with them.”

“I was really surprised to be offered employment upon completing the course.

This is my first job in my life as I was in jail from a young age.

I feel from doing the course I can now speak well publicly and have a lot of confidence.

I was surprised at how many people also wanted to see me do well after coming out of prison, I felt no judgement from others.

Antz Junction have supported me for nearly 3 years now and I am grateful for the opportunities I have got because of them. I feel like I am picking up daily skills and been given at second chance at life something that I never thought was possible.”

“Upon completion of the programme I found that my confidence has returned and I have learnt to deal with emotions that I am facing differently – instead of reacting of how I feel in the moment.

I feel I can now speak openly about feelings as a man instead of bottling things up inside.

My communication skills have improved a lot and the course has given me the drive to find a progressional career that I enjoy.“

“The program left me feeling fulfilled as it gave me a reason to get up and out everyday, I am very motivated now and look forward to living a happy life again.

I was surprised how welcoming everyone was, I thought they would be judgmental knowing I was a prison leaver but my mentor was fantastic.

He really helped to ease my nerves and I felt like I have met a true friend in him.

It was nice to have a team of people around me investing their time into helping me become a better person.”

“When I started the programme my confidence was really low.

I felt I was knocked back from a lot of employment opportunities due to my criminal record I have two young children so felt a lot of pressure to provide for my family.

The programme was outstanding with endless support from the team who ran it, they really helped me find myself when I thought I would never get employment again they really gave me hope for the future.

I figured out hidden skills that I have and also built on existing knowledge.

I have gained my confidence back in connecting with others and think my communication skills have improved.

I feel a lot better in myself and felt like a professional job is achievable.”

“I can’t thank you enough, it’s opened a whole new world for me. I’m keeping myself occupied watching Netflix and taking pictures of my local countryside on the tablet.”

“I can now access training online for my new role and also have regular chats with my coach and mentor.

I can’t thank you enough!”

“I really enjoyed the placement in the hotel, it has improved my knowledge of the industry and I now have an excellent reference for future employers. I would give this course 10 out of 10.”

“I have improved my speech and language skills and I am now much more self confident….I feel happier and healthier. I feel energetic. I want to get a job. I want to do something with my life. I’ve wasted six years. I want to start now.”

“Having the chance to work with Antz Junction has been amazing. My Talent Coach was extremely helpful; listening and understanding my needs for moving forward.“

“Antz Junction staff and volunteers are real human beings, unjudging, thoughtful and amazing… Thank you.”

“A life changing journey which I have undertaken within just 6 months, with the help of Antz Junction.”

“Its all down to you at Antz Junction who have helped me rebuild my life and helped me live a better life. I owe you so much, I can’t say thank you enough.”

“The biggest success

The overall confidence of people on the programme. Many have been without employment for years and had little structure in their personal life. They have since become more organised, keep to deadlines and more motivated to find employment. Building on their own personal skills, such as maintenance or hospitality, they are now actively pursuing careers.”