After experiencing care at a young age, and then unemployment and homelessness as a young adult, Michael, 29, found The King’s Trust’s Team programme and was able to turn his life around.
He is now a King’s Trust Young Ambassador, volunteering with young people, working towards his dream of becoming a youth worker.
Michael was placed into foster care at two years old and adopted when he was four. Growing up, Michael felt stigma around being care experienced and struggled in and out of school.
When he left school, Michael found opportunities were limited due to living in a rural area and he moved between several farming and labouring jobs. Michael moved to Dumfries at 18 where he was homeless for a year.
“After I left school, I really struggled finding a sustainable job due to my mental health. I found myself homeless, with no work and felt like I had no prospects. By the time the council found me accommodation, my mental wellbeing was at an all-time low.”
After a few years of being unemployed and out of education, Michael was encouraged to go on The King’s Trust’s Team programme by a friend who had already completed it. Reluctantly, Michael reached out to The Trust and was put onto the programme.
The Team programme was a game changer for Michael. He built up his teamworking and communication skills and worked on his confidence through working with the group on shared projects. He was forced to take a leading role and thrived with the responsibility.
I loved my time on Team and couldn’t recommend it enough for someone who is looking to build their confidence and skills. I enjoyed being able to collaborate with others on projects and working as a team to reach a shared goal.
“No one day was the same on the programme and I saw a massive difference in my confidence throughout the journey. Seeing the difference it made to me and to the others on the programme is what has inspired me to pursue a career in youth work.”
Since finishing the programme, Michael has been a dedicated volunteer with The Trust. First as a Young Ambassador, representing The Trust at events and being the Scottish representative on the Youth Voice and Influencing Strategy.
Michael has also become an educational mentor, contributing to the Enterprise Challenge, School Transition programmes, and delivering the Schools Transitions programme which reaches pupils set to finish school with no clear path. His enthusiasm and dedication to supporting young people never wavers, and he always approaches these opportunities with passion.
“The King’s Trust has been a massive inspiration for me. Before joining the Team programme I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do with my life. Thanks to The Trust, I know what I want to do and through the Young Ambassador and mentoring opportunities I am working my way towards it.”
