Sarah, 30, was expelled from school at 14 and until going to prison had gained no qualifications. When she had her daughter at 16 she found it hard to make ends meet. With no qualifications she found herself unable to gain employment and so began to deal in drugs to make money, as well as running an escort agency and eventually becoming a pole dancer. Shortly after beginning to deal in drugs Sarah began to use drugs herself and quickly became dependent. She agreed to smuggle drugs and was caught first time. She received a prison sentence of seven years of which she served over four years. Her daughter was ten years old when she was convicted.

Going to prison was a “major wake-up call” for Sarah. She vowed to change her life and decided to take full advantage of every educational opportunity that came her way and was determined to try and get a skill that would allow her to look after herself and her daughter when released. She is now computer literate, attended college and gained an A Level in Art as well as qualifications in English and Maths. She also completed several courses in fitness training, painting and decorating as well as drug rehabilitation courses. Sarah discovered a particular talent and love of painting and decorating and while in prison dreamt of running her own painting business, ‘manned’ by an all women team of decorators.

Being inside was difficult; “I wanted to remain clean and gave drugs a wide berth – but that can make you unpopular and my time in prison was not easy”.

When Startup made contact with HMP Send, the prison recommended that Sarah present her business idea of setting up a painting and decorating company. She made a successful presentation and asked for help with buying equipment and car insurance. The Hardman Trust agreed to pay for Sarah’s driving lessons and she will soon sit her driving test.

Startup helped Sarah to refine her business plan and helped her to focus on priorities to get her business going. Startup liaised with the Hardman Trust to ensure that both agencies worked together to maximise Sarah’s chances of getting her business up and running and to avoid any duplication of assistance.

“Without Startup I wouldn’t be standing on my own two feet now. The help you gave me was invaluable – it’s one thing having an idea but without a vehicle or tools, qualifications are useless. I can now look forward to being able to make a living for me and my daughter without worrying if I can pay my bills”.

Since setting up her business Sarah has been working with a building company. “I have done a couple of private jobs where I can leave my tools overnight. Once I have passed by test I will be able to pitch for much more work. Startup has really helped to give me a future to look forward to.”