Kendall Gregory
Kendall, 20, overcame a variety of different
barriers. After becoming pregnant at the age of 18, she found a
reason to change her life, and decided to take part in The
Prince's Trust Enterprise programme. Kendall has now launched her
own website and continues to be an excellent role model for young
mums.
By the
age of 13, Kendall was using alcohol and drugs as a coping
mechanism. During this time, Kendall lost two friends – one
overdosed and the other stabbed. Struggling to see a way forward,
she dropped out of school aged 16 with no plans or aspirations.
Kendall became pregnant when she was 18, and this gave her a
reason to change her life. She focused on herself and her unborn
child, committed to giving her child the best start she could.
After her own personal experience as a young mum, Kendall
decided she would like to set up a business with a focus on
providing support, information and advice to other young parents
under 21.
During her pregnancy, Kendall faced criticism and negative
comments from the public and health professionals. She was
determined to challenge the stereotypes.
When she first joined the Enterprise
programme, a lack of confidence prevented Kendall from sharing
her ideas, fearing she would be laughed at. Yet with the support
and encouragement of her peer group and mentor, Kendall explored
her idea at length and launched www.gigglesandtickles.co.uk,
a website designed to let young parents share their stories,
discuss their children’s development, share baby food recipes and
offer a support network. The site has attracted interest from
Huggies, Mother Care and Sudocream and Kendall has over 200
followers on Twitter.
Kendall recently became a Young
Ambassador and continues to be an excellent role model. With a
bright future ahead of her, Kendall has a sense of direction and
purpose in her life and now has thes upport she needs to continue
moving forward
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.
- Ryan Longmuir, Regis Banqueting
- Lisa Whittaker, Programme Executive,
The Prince’s Trust
- European Social Fund