February 2012
Ed Miliband visits Southampton Centre
The Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP met with a group of young people
at The Prince’s Trust centre in Southampton, to discuss their
experiences of youth unemployment.
One of the young people, Dan Jackson, has just secured his dream
job with help from The Prince’s Trust Fairbridge programme. He
spoke to the leader of the opposition about how the right support
had helped him to turn his life around.
A few years ago, nineteen-year-old Dan was unemployed and living
with his sister’s family. Being out of work made him feel bored and
depressed, and he ended up taking a lot of drugs. Dan says:
I felt like I had no one to talk to, and I was
so down that I tried to commit suicide.
Then
Dan was referred to The Prince’s Trust Fairbridge programme, which
helps disadvantaged young people gain the motivation,
self-confidence and skills they need to change their lives.
As part of the programme, Dan received support to manage his
feelings. He took part in a range of activities including a
five-day residential in Wales, which he describes as “one of the
best weeks of my life.”
Dan credits the Fairbridge programme for helping him to get his
life back on track. “I learnt how to get a buzz out of life without
taking drugs. I learnt so much and it really boosted my
confidence.”
Dream Job
Following the course, Dan got a job in a shop and was soon
offered a promotion. However, his goal was to become an outdoor
activities instructor and help other young people. Last week, he
found out that he had secured an apprenticeship to train as an
activities instructor at the YMCA in Southampton – his dream
job.
Dan says:
The Fairbridge programme made me realise that
anything is achievable no matter what I want in life.