When Kurt Knight learned to drive, it was the first time he had driven a car that he hadn't stolen.
The 35-year-old spent his childhood in care, and during his teens and twenties was in and out of prison for joyriding.
However, thanks to Bath charity Developing Health and Independence he has got his life back on track, and is in the third year of a plumbing course at the City of Bath College.
Last week, he won the charity's David Miel Award for Personal Achievement.
Kurt, from Radstock, decided to change when he met his partner Emily, and contacted DHI for help.
Now working for Wheelers at Westbury, he has passed his driving test, and is saving to buy a house with Emily and their two children aged seven and four.
He said: "I would never have thought that this would be my life.
"I thought I had no hope, but now I am looking forward to the future.
"It is very surreal to have won the award, but I am very proud."
He was among the success stories at the DHI Client Achievement Awards, presented by comedian and GP Dr Phil Hammond.
He said: "One of the frustrations of general practice is that you have ten-minute consultations, and really what can you achieve? You refer to wonderful charities like DHI.
"Charities like DHI relieve the pressure on the NHS, and in particular the accident and emergency departments, immensely.
"It is an absolute pleasure to present the awards to people who have overcome extremely difficult obstacles and made positive changes in their lives."
DHI chief executive Rosie Phillips said the charity wanted to challenge the stigmatisation of people who were have been socially excluded in life.
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