Interserve – redeining the future for probation and rehabilitation

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
‘You have helped to change people’s lives’
Sponsor the
YOUNG PERSON AWARD
This award is for an individual, under the age of 25, who has come through the criminal justice system
and has previous convictions but who now, through their hard work and tenacity, has moved away from a
life of crime. It is speciically to recognise the barriers and obstacles this young person has overcome to
make this signiicant change to their lives.
Courtney Bland
In the early stages of his engagement with the Youth Transitions Network (YTN) Courtney was still
surrounded by peers who were involved in crime, which led to a small brush with the law. He sought
support from the YTN and took responsibility for his mistakes. Courtney has had to overcome a lot
of barriers in order to achieve his goals but he approaches all of this with a positive outlook and a
mature attitude. He is a very conscientious person who isn’t afraid to put in the hard work to develop
his skills and achieve his goals. Courtney’s attitude and commitment has been the number one factor
to his success. Gaining an apprenticeship in a role that Courtney enjoys, has aspired to achieve and
challenges him has also been an important factor. It has allowed him to mix with colleagues who do not
know about his past offending behavior and ensured he can become the person he wants to be.
Paige Howard
Paige is a young mum and single parent and has had to adapt to this huge change quickly. She has
become mature overnight and taken on responsibility for this child and become a positive role model.
Paige has ceased to offend. She has overcome being on the verge of homelessness and gradually
reduced her substance intake. The hardship Paige has faced and her poor understanding of the
consequences of her behaviour could have led to a life in prison. Instead she chose to turn her life
around. She has developed empathy for victims. Her resilience has helped her to realise that she
does not want to lead a life of crime for her child. Her criminal history is lengthy; to suddenly stop this
behaviour is amazing. To have this realisation to stop self-destruction and harm to society, is fantastic. It
is not costing society money to keep her out of trouble, as Paige has made a conscious decision to stop..
Zoe Marie Roberts
Zoe has a long history of offending behavior between the ages of 14 and 17, she served three custodial
sentences and on reaching adulthood found it virtually impossible to gain employment in the ield she
wanted which was health and social care. Zoe has overcome so much in her short life; issues and events
which would cripple others. She has developed into a strong independent woman who’s main desire is
to make things better for young people who are leaving care or are in the criminal justice system. She
has such passion for ensuring young people are heard, but more importantly understood by those with
responsibility for them and is not afraid to challenge when she believes that they are not being listened
to or not receiving the services which they are entitled to and need. Given her desire to help others she
now works 40 hours a week working with young adults within a supported lodgings environment. All this
whilst being a fantastic mother to three children.