Nicola Everton - Project Lead
At 30 years old, I never imagined I'd end up on the wrong side of the law, let alone serving a custodial sentence. But life took a turn. I was dealing with family problems, financial pressures, and I started mixing with the wrong crowd. Before I knew it, I was caught up in a life of crime. At the time, it felt like easy money, but once you're in that world, it's hard to see another way out.
I was arrested and later sentenced to six years in prison for conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs. During my sentence, my mental health hit rock bottom, and I genuinely believed my life was over. I struggled to adapt, missed my family every day, and found it difficult to see any hope for the future.
Things began to change when I started helping other people in prison. It made me realise how much someone's mental health can influence the choices they make and their overall wellbeing. Supporting others gave me a sense of purpose and helped me start rebuilding my own life.
When I moved to open conditions, I finally felt there was light at the end of the tunnel. That's when I came across Unlock My Life and the incredible work they do. I knew straight away that I wanted to use my own experiences to help other people avoid the mistakes I'd made and support those trying to turn their lives around.
I reached out, joined the team, and now I'm proud to use my past to make a positive difference. My story doesn't define me, it's the reason I'm passionate about helping others believe that change is possible.
3 facts about me:
I love Frank's hot sauce eat it on EVERYTHING.
I used to live in Ibiza for 6 years.
My guilty pleasure is singing my heart out to a bit of Celine Dion.