Life Change and Progression Award

Karryann Healey was three years old when she was put into the care system and adopted but living with abuse and the turmoil of her early years turned her life upside down. She explains: “At times, I was happy. But there were dark times too. I wasn’t feeling loved, and I was craving attention. I used to skive off school, I tried running away. I went off the rails and I really messed up my education.” She started taking drugs which led to a period of homelessness from 17 years old. “I was easily influenced but it was also a way of me dealing with the abuse. The drugs relaxed me, so I thought I was helping myself. I started shoplifting and doing other things, I am so ashamed. It feels horrible that I did those things but that’s what drugs make you do. They change you as a person and you’ll do anything to fund your habit.”

After a controlling and abusive relationship, she escaped to a Woman’s Refuge in 2004, but the stress of the situation caused her to start using drugs and alcohol again. “I had a really chaotic lifestyle, I moved to Cardiff in 2015 and was still chaotic with drugs all around me but I ended up in a hostel at the beginning of 2019 and got into trouble after getting into a desperate situation trying to pay a dealer which led to a conviction.” It was a meeting with St Giles Trust that started to turn her life around. The organisation helps those who are held back by a range of issues including poverty, exploitation, abuse, addiction, mental health problems and crime. Karryann said: “They were in the hostel one day and theysaid they train up ex-offenders and people who have faced barriers and challenges and I sat back and thought I should give it a go. I poured out my life story and, for the first time ever, I wasn’t being judged. It felt too good to be true, like there must be a catch.”

She started attending training courses and life began to improve: “I could feel myself changing. My selfesteem and confidence were building. I got my Level 3 Information and Advice in 2021 which is the equivalent of an A-level. I’ve got the learning bug now and I’ve signed up to do a law degree.” She has been a paid employee of St Giles Trust since August 2021, firstly as Prevent Caseworker for Radicalisation and now working as a wellbeing coach, supporting men within the criminal justice system. “This is the life I’ve dreamed of. Everyone had written me off, including me. I use my lived experience to help others. Learning has made me believe in myself. It’s opened so many doors. I’m now constantly training. I want to learn so much and find out about the world I’ve missed out on for so long. All my life I’ve been surviving, but now I’m finally living.”  Phoenix Averies of St Giles Trust says, “Karryann is one of the most inspirational people I’ve met. Her resilience and determination are remarkable, she has a lot of potential and brings a huge dose of passion to everything she does.”