Brendan Stoodley
Before Brendan, 27, from
Radstock, came to The Prince’s Trust, he was
unemployed for two years and had turned to alcohol and gambling to
cope. While taking part in the Team programme, Brendan decided to
return to education and he is now studying an English
degree.
At school, Brendan was unmotivated and lacked focus, so did not
achieve the grades he was capable of. Due to his disappointing
A-Level results he was discouraged from continuing with education
and decided to get a job.
After school, Brendan went from job to job but struggled to find
anything permanent. In 2008, he found himself unemployed, living in
an isolated area of Somerset where there were few jobs
available.
Brendan remained unemployed for nearly two years, filling his
days with drinking and gambling and becoming increasingly
depressed. His behaviour became a self destructive cycle in which
the more he drank, the less time he spent looking for work, which
then fuelled his depression and drinking habits.
Fortunately, Brendan saw an advert for The Prince’s Trust Team
programme. He saw the charity’s 12-week personal development course
as a chance to rebuild his confidence and motivation to find
work.
Despite problems with commitment in the past, Brendan remained
dedicated to the programme, attending every session despite a
lengthy bus ride from his rural town to Bath City Centre.
As the course developed, Brendan became a great motivator,
supporting his team mates through challenging activities and
enthusiastically completing his own difficult tasks. After
completing a 100ft abseil on his residential trip, it was clear
that his confidence and self belief was beginning to grow
enormously.
During the programme, Brendan made the decision to return to
education and on completion undertook an Access Course at Bath
College, which he passed with Distinction. He has now started an
English degree at Leicester University – which Brendan feels is a
significant breakthrough after he was disappointed with his school
grades.
Brendan said:
I strongly believe that I would not have got to
this point in my life without the help of The Prince’s Trust. I
have not only gained a clear direction for my life, but I now
understand that everyone deserves to be given a chance to reach
their potential.
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.
- Edwin Ascott, City of Bristol
College
- Edd Richardson, City of Bristol
College