Ilario’s tattoo served as a constant reminder of who he used to be and the poor choices he made. He came to NAAMA through our charity partner The Forward Trust. Here is his story.

My name is Ilario. My life has been kind of rough. I was very shy when I was young and I became addicted to drugs and alcohol at a young age. I spent a lot of time in and out of prison. The tattoo I had was a swastika, it is on my wrist. I had it when I was in the army, I followed what the regiment was doing, I have regretted it ever since.

I always kept my watch on wrist to hide it. I wanted to get it tattooed over but I was too ashamed to go to a tattoo shop. The older I got the more upset I was about the tattoo. I didn't know it would be possible to stop taking drugs but eventually, one day became two, then become a week and my life changed. I dealt with my regret. When I left prison I had nothing. I went to look for work and found this guy who gave me a chance and then in 2001 I decided to start my own catering business. I trained and employed people, like myself, who came out of prison.

SECOND CHANCES is here to help

To nominate yourself or someone else for our SECOND CHANCES program, complete the submission form with your tattoo story and what it would mean to you/your nominee to receive treatment with us.