Lisa, 24, from Birmingham, suffers with hydrocephalus, a buildup of fluid on the brain that can cause brain damage. 

She was sexually abused when she was 17, a traumatic experience that left her suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety. She lost direction and when her mother contracted pneumonia, Lisa found herself caring for her mother and completely withdrew from society.

I’d always been in and out of hospital because of my own condition, and then suddenly I had my mum to care for and I felt alone.

A visit to her local JobCentre Plus gave her hope. She met a Prince’s Trust Outreach Executive who inspired her to join Team, a Prince’s Trust programme that builds the confidence and employability prospects of unemployed young people.

Lisa felt supported at Team, overcame her anxiety and pushed herself to see what she was really capable of.

“My condition affects my balance and I worried whether I’d be able to achieve the activities on Team, but my Prince’s Trust Team Leader made me believe I could do it – and I did! It was a huge turning point for me.”

Growing increasingly more confident, Lisa took on a work placement, flourished and completed Team happier and in control of her mental health. Proud of what she has achieved, Lisa now works for a fast food chain and hopes to progress to a managerial role.

Team made me realise so many things about myself – what I was capable of, as well as the importance of developing relationships and support networks. I’ve got a job which has given me stability and I believe in myself a lot more. It’s made a big difference to my life.