Adrian’s young life was thrown into chaos at the age of two. After his parents’ divorce, Adrian, 20, from Merthyr Tydfil, lived with his mother but difficult circumstances led to him being taken into care.

Adrian’s childhood was spent moving from one place to another.  His situation improved when, for a few years, Adrian lived with a guardian but again things fell apart and he went back into care. Adrian’s turbulent life continued up until he was 18 by which point he was confused, lacked motivation and had very low self-esteem.

With no support from his wider family, Adrian drifted from hostel to B&B accommodation, ending up in a supported hostel. 

While he was living at this hostel, he heard about The Prince’s Trust.

“When I reached the hostel I was at my wits’ end. Life had been tough. I had been taking drugs and had depression for a long time but I wanted to change, I needed guidance, someone to help and point me in the right direction.”

He enrolled on the Team programme, a 12-week personal development course which gives unemployed young people the skills and confidence to find work. He made friends and was able to be himself. At last, Adrian believed his life was improving.

Every day that passed brought a change in Adrian and he was determined not to let his past affect his future. 

The Prince’s Trust has had an overwhelming effect on my life. My Team Leader gave me the support that I had needed for so long, they saved me. They helped me believe that there was still hope for things to get better and they surely did.

The Prince’s Trust has helped me become the person I am today. They made me believe in myself. They showed me that there was light at the end of the tunnel.”

Adrian now has permanent employment at Wilkinson’s, and his own flat.

I finally feel happy in myself and comfortable with my past. I have a purpose in life and friends and people in my life that care. My long term goal is to have a house with my girlfriend and a family of my own to love and cherish.