Iain Wilson
Although a high achiever at school, Iain, 21,
from East Kilbride, was very introverted and was bullied from a
young age. After completing the Team programme, Iain is now in his
second year of a degree and is also a Young Ambassador
for The Trust.
Iain had often played truant to avoid the
bullies, missing out on key classes whilst he stayed at home.
Suffering from boredom and a lack of self esteem, Iain quickly
developed a gambling habit on-line and in casinos. Despite his
poor attendance in school, Iain achieved the right grades to secure
a place on a law degree at university - believing this would
provide him with a lifestyle which could support his gambling.
Soon addiction started taking over
Iain’s life. He missed classes and was asked to leave university,
spending eight months lying to his parents who believed he was
still attending. Iain was then asked to leave the family home when
they realized he was stealing from them to fund his addiction.
Homeless and feeling guilty for the pain he
had caused his family, Iain had reached his lowest point and had
contemplated suicide to escape.
Iain’s key worker suggested Team as a starting
point for getting his life back on track and although skeptical,
Iain met with the Team leader and instantly felt this was someone
he could trust and would be able to help him. Iain worked hard on
the Team and quickly rose form team member, to a leader, to a
mentor, recognised by his peers as someone they could trust.
After listening to other Team members speak of
their battles with addiction, Iain saw the similarities to his own
situation and took steps to address his problem and worked hard on
re-building his relationship with his family.
Now in his second year of a Chemical
Engineering degree, Iain is back in the family home, free from
gambling and has new friends to support him. He has also taken on
the role of Young Ambassador for The Trust, playing a key role in a
number of prominent events.
Champions
We would like to acknowledge the individuals or organisations
who have played a key role in helping this young person achieve
success through their Prince’s Trust programme.
- Stuart Wilson, Ian’s Father
- Clare Simpson, Team Leader,
Motherwell College
- South Lanarkshire Council