Joe’s Story: ‘I turned my life around at the right moment and I want to change other people's lives'

A series of significant life events saw Joe, an academic teenager, become so disruptive he was moved from mainstream education to a pupil referral unit.

He left school with one GCSE, had poor mental health and no hope for the future.

Shortly after leaving full-time education, Joe became a father – his daughter starting a new chapter in his life.

However, Joe tragically lost a close friend to knife crime.

He became determined to make something of himself and Joe’s family implored the Foundation to give Joe a chance. After weeks of attending employability sessions with his face covered, Foundation staff support allowed Joe to feel more comfortable, to open up and be himself.

He has completed work placements with the Foundation and now aims to inspire other young people to achieve, reduce knife crime in his community and be the best father to his little girl.