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South Shields HoodEx charity helping young offenders

Ricky Gleeson from South Shields was a homeless drug user and in constant trouble with the law, but he managed to turn his life around and is now helping others.

His charity HoodEx runs a clothing outlet staffed by ex-offenders and those at risk of offending.

The organisation also offers a boxing training programme.

Connor Smith, arrested for carrying a knife, is one of the young men being helped by HoodEx - an experience he describes as "amazing".

Video by Jonathan Swingler.

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23 April 2024

Clothing industry

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