Naomi Berridge - The Prince's Trust

West Midlands

Naomi had been struggling with depression for three years, going through periods where she was consumed by feelings of worthlessness. She began self-harming as a way of expressing the sadness she was feeling. Naomi went through counselling to deal with her depression and managed to find full-time employment. However, when the recession hit, Naomi was made redundant and her anxiety returned. At this point, Naomi rarely left the house and couldn’t eat because she felt sick with fear. One of Naomi’s friends suggested she approach The Prince’s Trust and she joined the Team programme. This opportunity gave her the skills and confidence to turn her life around, and she discovered talents she never knew she had. Naomi managed to secure her ideal job as a support worker, helping people who suffer from depression. She is now excited to wake up every morning and make a difference to people’s lives.

Indigo Shop - The Prince's Trust

West Midlands

This group of young people from Hereward College all have significant physical and/or learning disabilities. They were determined to find a chance to succeed and wanted to be recognised for their abilities rather than their disabilities. Thanks to a Community Cash Award, the young people managed to develop and set up a college shop, which has been a huge success. The Indigo Shop provides quality homemade products and provides a ‘real’ opportunity for work experience and retail therapy. It has given them a new sense of independence at being able to develop and manage a small business and raised aspirations about future employment. Additionally all profits are being donated to a new charity to support students who wish to start their own business. The 12 young people involved have now developed the skills they need to find a job, as well as the self-belief they need to succeed.

Carolann Carlile - The Prince's Trust

Northern Ireland

Carolann was determined to give her children a good start in life. Her parents divorced when she was seven and by the time she became a teenager, Carolann was experimenting with alcohol. At 17 she became pregnant and as life became more stressful, she was unable to focus on her studies and failed her exams. Carolann had always had a flair for baking and wanted to turn her hobby into a business. A small grant and loan from The Prince’s Trust helped Carolann to create her business, The Cupcake, a café and bakery in Dungiven. At first, she had many sleepless nights as she worried about the business succeeding but she knew it was her best hope of building a future. Her resilience has paid off as the business exceeded expectations in its first year. Carolann now employs three staff and the café is a thriving part of the local community.

Alex - The Kids Company

London

Alex came to Kids Company’s Urban Academy aged 15. She had no form of identification, and was sleeping on the streets. Evidence of self-harm was revealed in the form of scratches and open cuts on her upper arms. She was underweight and hungry, having had no solid food for about four days. She used cannabis to help her to sleep. She disclosed episodes of rape and sexual abuse by peers.

Alex was brought to the Urban Academy by one of the other students. They provided the following support immediately, and over the next two years: hot food and supermarket vouchers when the centre was closed; shower facilities and clean clothes; a health check, followed by GP registration and payment of prescriptions. Alex was given a Key Worker to support her needs including short-term housing; ongoing help with facing up to outstanding warrants and bail conditions; engagement with Adolescent Mental Health Services for depression; and access to their education programmes to open the door for Alex to see what career path she wanted to follow.  The challenges for Alex are still very real but with their support she is now in a better place to direct her energy into creating a positive future.