Sakima Kadish

I had been in prison for 18 months convicted with possession with attempt to supply and sentenced for 3 years. I was heavily involved in gangs, very one track minded and money motivated. Even throughout my prison sentence I still very much had the same thought process and had an ‘I don’t care for no-one attitude’.

I joined the Garnsychan Partnership on a stage one work placement in June 2011. During which time I have managed to develop and look at life far more differently than I ever have before. When I started at the Garnsychan Partnership I thought I would not be accepted, telling staff what I’d been convicted of, where I was from etc, but in fact it was completely the opposite. I was accepted for who I was and made to feel like part of the team.

During my placement, the Garnsychan Partnership have supported and guided me throughout, I have received customer service, health and safety, IT and retail training. I have had the opportunity to work with staff of all levels which has given me a clear insight to how the charity operates and what they achieve. I feel a sense of achievement seeing a piece of work being completed, knowing I have had involvement. This would never have been the case before.

My past life experiences would have never seen me working with people that I have been, I have been working and supporting other volunteers with mental health issues and learning disabilities. Before securing a placement here I would never have associated myself with those other than people in my social circle. As a result of working at the Partnership, I am now more open minded and supportive and will always have a different outlook in the future.

I really feel that the partnership has helped me develop a positive frame of mind when it comes to getting back into work; it has provided me with routine and maturity about work life.

I am now totally focused on my future, seeing the processes and projects being delivered with positive outcomes here at the Partnership have provided me with the drive and ambition to start up my own business in barbering. I am determined not to fall back into the old culture and lifestyle that I have been a part of.

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