A TROUBLED army veteran has managed to turn his life around with the help of Prospects in Minehead.

Ex-serviceman Michael was in the forces for eight years between 1975 to 1983, an experience which coloured his future.

Unable to hold down a regular job after he left Michael spent time in prison before joining the Work Programme in 2014.

Michael has issues around alcohol misuse, and had previously been hospitalised. This, together with mental health problems, meant that he drifted into unemployment.

Minehead JobCentre Plus identified Michael as a candidate for the Active Plus programme, a joint initiative between Prospects and JobCentre working together to find the right, individual approach for Michael.

From the start Michael knew he had to tackle his twin issues of alcohol and poor mental health. Supported by an adviser Michael has overcome his alcohol addiction and has gone from drinking large amounts daily and attending appointments drunk to only having a couple of drinks socially at weekends.

He has been supported by his adviser and is now gaining confidence and improving his self esteem. His growing confidence has meant Michael is now able to participate in group work, and he has also gained qualifications in IT and attained his Construction Skills Certification Scheme card that enables him to work on a construction site.

Improvements in Michael’s self worth have led him to share his skills and experiences. Alongside his job seeking Michael works as a mentor for other unemployed people in the area, and volunteers running sessions.

Michael said: “My confidence and self worth has rocketed and I now feel I am adding to the local community after causing trouble years ago and serving time in prison. I had some big barriers before but now I feel I’ve overcome them and am looking forward to finding full time work.”

Shona Howes, Prospects Team Manager in Somerset said: “We are thrilled that Michael has managed to achieve such a turnaround in his life. Confidence and self-esteem are vital elements for a successful life. When you find you have reached a low point it can be impossible to find a way out, leading to poor health, disengagement and issues with addiction. Michael has found his route and is now sharing his story to help others in similar situations.”