When he was released from prison, former soldier Simon Pigott knew he wanted to become a counsellor, but he had nowhere to live and little idea how to move forward. Simon was referred by Op NOVA to The Poppy Factory’s Navigator service, which offers practical support to veterans to improve their health and wellbeing and reduce social isolation. Now Simon has a place to live, a better support network and a brighter future ahead.
Leaving prison without a home
Simon said: “I served for five years with the 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards. When I left the Army in the 1990s, it was hard. I got involved in criminal activity and within a year, I was selling drugs.
“I’d just come out of prison when I was put in touch with The Poppy Factory through Op Nova, which supports veterans who are involved in the justice system. I was homeless and I didn’t have a clue what I was going to do.
“Pete, who delivers the Navigator service, went above and beyond in helping me get somewhere to live. We’d meet face to face in a café or a park. Pete was always there for me, someone I could talk to. I probably would have given up without Pete’s help.
Turning point
“I started training as a counsellor in prison, when I was self-isolating a lot. That was a massive turning point for me. Everyone I know is a criminal, so I started staying away from people and not giving too much of myself. I realised that I didn’t have a future if I didn’t change things.
“Things have gone on from there. Pete helped me to enrol on a counselling course and get a laptop, and he referred me on to Andrew at The Poppy Factory for employment support. As soon as a I qualify as a class 4 trainee counsellor, that’s what I’m going to do for a job.
“People in my kind of situation don’t ask for help. My advice is to give it a chance and reach out, because it’s made a massive difference to my life. If it wasn’t for Pete and The Poppy Factory, I would probably be back in prison.”
With Navigator support, Simon achieved his main goal of addressing his housing needs. He also improved his mental and physical health, reduced social isolation and progressed to employment support. Taking part in a Future for Heroes course helped Simon connect with other veterans and boosted his wellbeing. His probation officer also secured Simon a gym pass, giving him the opportunity to improve his physical health.
Resilience and positivity
Pete Rhodes, Navigator for The Poppy Factory, said: “Navigating the housing sector has been a challenging and at times frustrating, but Simon handled every knock back with resilience and kept a positive mindset throughout. This led to him securing accommodation with the Listening Out Loud Foundation.
“During our time working together, we met face-to-face nine times and throughout these meeting I watched Simons’ confidence and self-esteem grow. As his mental health has improved, his wellbeing has improved.
“Simon believes everything in life is really moving forward now, and regaining employment will give him back real purpose in life.”
Determination to make progress
Andrew Pickersgill, Employment Consultant at The Poppy Factory, said: “Simon’s proactive determination, as well as his accepting support, has seen him go from strength to strength on his journey towards his goal of becoming a counsellor. Lots of grit and determination to get where he is now in stabilising his life – a persistence that is also paying off as he is progressing well in college undertaking his counsellor qualifications.
“Simon is also making good progress in securing more permanent accommodation, and once this is complete, he wants to explore all options of part-time work to complement his studies. Amazing life and lived experience, along with his overall knowledge and skills, will see him benefit any organisation and their clients within the support sector. It’s an absolute pleasure and privilege to be supporting Simon with his journey.”
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Make a professional referral to the Navigator service
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