“I always wanted to be a criminal – that was the only path I ever noticed that I thought was fun,” says Trueman, a 35-year-old from Easton in Bristol, who spent years entangled in a life of crime and incarceration. However, his story is one of transformation and hope, showcasing how support and determination can change the trajectory of one’s life.
Early Life and Path to Crime
Trueman’s childhood was marred by alcoholism, fighting, and crime. These elements created a cycle that he found himself inevitably caught in. “You don’t really notice any other path apart from the one you’re thrown onto,” he reflects.
By the age of 17, Trueman had his first stint in a young offender institution. His descent into crime began much earlier, with shoplifting and stealing from other teens. At 12, he was expelled from mainstream school and sent to a boarding school in Chippenham, Wiltshire. However, the change in environment did not deter his criminal activities, leading to another expulsion.
Turning Point
During his time at the Chippenham school, Trueman met Nicky, a Connections Support charity worker whose role was to help students make positive career decisions. Nicky’s support did not end when she left her job; she continued to visit Trueman during his time in the young offender institution, showing unwavering commitment.
“She had no ties to any company – she just did it herself,” Trueman says, highlighting the unique impact Nicky had on his life. Her persistence and belief in him made a significant difference. “She just acknowledged me as a person,” he recalls.
The Last Imprisonment and Fatherhood
Trueman’s last imprisonment was for robbery, a crime that saw him spend four years behind bars, released in 2016. By then, he had become a father, and missing two years of his daughter’s life became a catalyst for change. “I knew I had to change,” he admits.
Introduction to Key4Life
In 2019, Nicky introduced Trueman to Key4Life, a crime prevention charity founded by Eva Hamilton MBE in response to the 2011 riots. The charity’s seven-step model, based on Hamilton’s 37 years of experience in rehabilitating marginalized individuals, aims to build resilience and improve behavior through a blend of music, football, and equine therapy.
The Ministry of Justice Data Lab recognizes Key4Life as one of the most effective models for creating change in the area of crime prevention. The charity also offers courses, including a mentorship training scheme that Trueman joined.
Transformative Experience
Initially skeptical about his ability to change, Trueman’s mindset shifted when he saw his peers transforming their lives. “When I saw that, I wanted that same opportunity, so I put everything I had into it to change,” he says.
Role as a Mentor
Earlier this year, Trueman received an offer to work part-time as a mentor at Key4Life. In this role, he helps people at risk of imprisonment and young offenders by assisting with tasks such as applying for a driving license, signing up at job centers, and completing administrative work.
Since starting this role, Trueman’s life has changed dramatically. He no longer sees crime as a fallback option. “I can see that the path I’m on now is better than any path I’ve ever been on so I don’t want to let go of it,” he asserts.
Reflections and Future Aspirations
Eva Hamilton, the founder of Key4Life, speaks highly of Trueman and others who have gone through the program. She emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for one’s past and unlocking personal pain to open doors to new opportunities.
Trueman is dedicated to helping others succeed. “I want to help people as much as I can until they succeed,” he says. Reflecting on his journey, he acknowledges the time lost but focuses on the future. “We can’t dwell on the past. We can only think of the future.”
Trueman’s story is a powerful testament to the impact of unwavering support and the potential for change. His journey from a life of crime to becoming a mentor and helping others shows that with the right guidance and determination, it is never too late to turn one’s life around.
