Tony's Story

Tony created Hope and Vision Communities in 2020 with the judge who jailed him. Despite their differences, Tony and Peter share a deep understanding of what it takes to break the cycle of addiction.

"From 12 years old, I spent 25 years in that cycle as a prolific offender with over 400 arrests, 80 charges and 50 convictions. My addiction was the result of unresolved, deep-rooted trauma. Thanks to an offer of grace, I was able to turn my life around. Now I help others do the same.

Back then, Judge Peter Ross gave me a chance. As part of my sentencing, he gave me the opportunity to go into treatment rather than simply continuing the cycle of prison, release and reoffending that had become my life. In 2020, I went to Yeldall Manor, where I spent a year dealing with my addiction and starting to rebuild my life. But getting clean was only the beginning. After treatment, I spent another year in supported accommodation. Having somewhere safe and stable to live gave me the time and space I needed to put what I had learned into practice and start building a different life. My faith became a big part of that journey too. I felt that God had flooded into my life, and the change I experienced went far beyond simply getting off drugs. When I look back now, I can only describe it as a miracle.

That experience is ultimately why Hope and Vision Communities came about. I learnt first-hand that leaving treatment is not the end of recovery. In many ways, it is where the hard work really starts. Having somewhere safe to live made such a difference to me, and I realised how many people finish treatment without that same opportunity. Together with Peter Ross, whose decision to give me a chance had changed my life, I founded Hope and Vision Communities to help change that. We want to give people leaving treatment somewhere safe to live, the stability to rebuild and the opportunity to discover that their past doesn’t have to determine what comes next. I know what it feels like to think there is no way out. I also know what can happen when somebody is prepared to give you a chance.

The relationship between Peter and I - as the prisoner and the judge - often comes as a surprise to people, but it shouldn't. I'd like it to bring other people hope because it shows that the divisions which often polarise our world can be overcome and used as a force for good. I now consider the judge who sentenced me to be my friend. We have an opportunity to use this relationship to help others and we'd love your help to do that."

Tony Attwood
Founder
Head of Operations & Development