By Saul Cooke-Black

A FORMER heroin addict has been nominated for a national award in recognition of her work helping vulnerable women.

Jo Noe, 43, from Arlingham, is a Key Worker at the ISIS Women's Centre in Gloucester where she helps women facing trauma, abuse, social exclusion, addiction, domestic violence and homelessness.

She said: "From the age of 11 I had problems with alcohol and drugs for 22 years.

"I was a prolific offender and I ended up going to prison for two and a half years for robbery.

"I understand what these women are going through.

"By giving them what I never had - consistency, affirmation, belief in the possibility of change. By accepting my past I can help other women move forward."

After leaving prison in 2005 Jo joined The Nelson Trust, a Brimscombe based charity which helps people with drug and alcohol dependencies, where she was supported for about nine months.

She studied an NVQ in social care before starting as a volunteer at the ISIS Women's Centre in 2010, a service set up by The Nelson Trust which helps women who are vulnerable and at risk.

After two years volunteering she became a professional Key Worker.

She said: "If I had not gone to The Nelson Trust I would be dead.

"I am proud and loud of where I've come from and what I'm doing.

"When a Crown Court judge asked me for my professional opinion before he sentenced my client that really brought home to me how far I had come."

She was nominated for the Justice and Redemption Award, run by No Offence!, by John Benstead, a trustee of The Nelson Trust.

He said: "Jo works closely with local Offender Managers in providing a joined-up service for her clients.

"She is dogged and determined in championing her clients, especially in the struggle to give them some self-belief in their capacity to change."

Rose Mahon, Jo's manager, said: "Jo has such a passion for her work.

"She recognises how vulnerable her clients can be, and she will use every ounce of her energy to get the best possible results for them."

To vote for Jo visit www.no-offence.org/nominations/.

Votes must be made by July 1.

To find out more about the work of The Nelson Trust visit www.nelsontrust.com .