At the age of 12, Vernel was taken to live on the notorious Pembury Estate in Hackney. He saw a man shot dead within the first week.

We discuss how he was drawn into gang crime, his suffering at the hands of the police, and how the Hackney riots happened, and threw his life into even more chaos.

This is a story of determination, of how, despite everything stacked against him, Vernel turned his life around, starting with mastering the power of the mind.

Vernel is now the founder and CEO of the Social Enterprise Inside Out.

In this interview we cover:

• Life and survival on one of the most crime ridden estates in London
• How and why people are drawn into the gangs
• Violence on the estates and how gang rivalry begins
• Police attitudes towards the people on the estate and it’s psychological impact
• The Hackney Riots and why it happened
• Life in prison, the home office and judicial failures
• Mental health and survival mode
• The power of the mind and changing the pictures in his brain
• How someone believing in him gave him the confidence to overcome hurdles
• Equine Therapy
• The power of affirmations and meditation

Follow Vernel and his company 'Inside Out' here:

Website: https://insideout.org.uk

TikTok: @insideout_cic

Instagram: @insideout_cic

Location - Ministry Venues: https://www.ministryvenues.com

Please follow us at:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myneighbourthehero/

Twitter: https://x.com/myneighbourhero

If you know of any amazing everyday heroes who you think should appear on this podcast please email myneighbourthehero@gmail.com.

CONTENT WARNING: Please note that this podcast features themes of violence, death, swearing and mentions of suicide.

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