You're truly inspirational; Meet the finalists in Prince's Trust awards that recognise young people thriving after adversity.
Byline: HEATHER GREENAWAYTHEY have faced more in their young lives than most people will have to endure in a lifetime.
But, against the odds, Harry Holliday, Olivia Blackburn and Fiona Adamson-Eadie Bevan have turned their lives around and are working towards a bright future in their careers.
Their bravery, courage and determination have seen them named as finalists in the prestigious The Prince's Trust TK Maxx Homesense Awards.
The national awards recognise the achievements of young people who have succeeded despite adversity, improved their chances in life, and had positive impact on their local & community. All three were supported by youth charity The Prince's Trust, which has helped more than one million young people in the UK move into work, training or education since it was founded csThymed in 1976.
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Here we take a look at the inspirational trio and their incredible stories.
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A BUZZ ABOUT THE HONEY
A BEEKEEPING project in Garnock Community Campus in Beith, Ayrshire, is the fourth Scots finalist in The Prince's Trust & TK Maxx Homesense Awards.
Producing more than 100 jars of honey since it was launched from the apiary's 70,000 bees - Beehavin' is recognised by The Scottish Beekeepers Association.
The hands-on learning experience has enhanced students' knowledge and skills, allowed them to learn about the ecological connection between bees, land and food production, participate in the regeneration of the environment improved their overall school attendance and performance.
Pupils deal with the care and husbandry of the bees including feeding, cleaning, health checks, artificial swarming and harvesting as well as selling the honey.
Beth, a member of Beehavin', said: "found that my confidence has massively improved because of Beehavin'. As a person with additional support needs, this group has helped me learn important skills that will help after I leave school."
DARK CHAPTERS ARE NOT MY WHOLE STORY
AFTER experiencing a traumatic sexual assault aged just 13, Fiona was left feeling ashamed and scared. She began to abuse alcohol, developing bulimia and body dysmorphic disorder.
But with the right support, Fiona has transformed into a confident young woman with a commitment to helping others while working in the health and social care sector.
The mum of one, who says the Prince's Trust saved her life, said: "I started drinking, putting myself in dangerous situations and became a punch bag in several abusive relationships. This led to me developing eating disorders. I had very little to no self-esteem and allowed myself to be treated horrifically.
Eadie "Although there was a lot of darkness, there eventually was some light too, I spent some time travelling in Australia and New Zealand, where I met my husband Andrew."
After giving birth to her daughter Mia, now three, Fiona struggled with post-natal depression and it was during this time she heard about The Prince's Trust's Get into Social Care programme.
Throughout the course, she began to discover confidence and self-belief for the first time and
Irvine realised she wanted to support others in her community.
Fiona, who is now a bank nursing assistant in residential childcare, said: "Since I completed the course in 2018, I've been taking the world in my stride.
"I completed an HNC in Social Services and have been working and volunteering ever since.
"Long term, my husband and I want to become foster parents.
"Those dark times were a few chapters, not my whole story. If a select few people at The Prince's Trust hadn't saw what they did in me, I'm not sure I'd be here today."
to
Fiona Adamson-Eadie Bevan, 28, Irvine be realised support community.
a lot
I HAVE SO MANY OPTIONS FOR MY DREAM CAREER
FROM losing her dad to cancer in 2016 and now watching her mum fight stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma, to struggling with her own mental and physical health, Olivia hasn't had it easy.
The student, who suffers from conditions including epilepsy and cerebral palsy, missed so much school due to juggling medical appointments, surgery and exams, she left school early, with no qualifications, to focus on her health.
Olivia Blackburn, 23, Carnoustie, Angus
But after doing a course at Dundee and Angus College supported by the Prince's Trust, which helps young people get the skills to work for the NHS, Olivia is now thriving as a healthcare support worker on the haematology ward at Ninewells hospital in Dundee and is studying to become a nurse. She said: "School was quite a difficult time for me. I had health conditions that weren't under control and was awaiting major surgery on my jaw.
"I decided to leave school early, which gave me anxiety and depression.
"Things began to look up but then my dad was diagnosed with cancer and died. My family got through it by supporting each other and we are doing the same with my mum's illness."
Olivia, who is working on the same ward where her mum was treated, added: "The Prince's Trust and NHS have had a massive impact on my life - as they've given me a future I didn't think I would have.
"I've started my nursing studies and have so many options or a future with my dream career."
and "Things then cancer got
Olivia Blackburn, 23, Carnoustie, Angus doing mum's " Olivia, who
I have the confidence now to cross bridges I come to
ALREADY struggling at school due to his dyslexia - Harry lost all interest after his mum passed away in 2017.
He started missing classes and it looked like he might end up leaving Kyle Academy in Ayr with no qualifications.
But after getting involved in his school's IT department, Harry began to shine and is now studying for his HNC in Cyber Security, which will hopefully lead to a Graduate Apprenticeship Degree.
He said: "My attendance was around 65 per cent at one point. My time keeping was poor and although I was trying hard to be there on time and take an interest, I continued to struggle. Having dyslexia contributed to this; I was never sure I was on the right track and needed assurance from my teachers. I had no confidence in myself and the only time I felt like I was able to showcase I had any talent was during practical work. As I was falling behind on that too, I felt like there was no hope."
The computer room became his sanctuary and a teacher suggested he join the departments Cyber Centurions programme, run in partnership with The Prince's Trust.
Harry Holliday, 18, Mauchline, Ayrshire
Taking part transformed Harry's future - he began take the lead when it came to creating workshops delivered to local primary schools and his attendance increased to 90 per cent. Harry added: "The Trust has given me a focus and career aspiration for the future, given me confidence to take on challenges one at a time and a belief that I can cross bridges when I get to them."
qualifications.
SANCTUARY join the in his Harry
Harry Holliday, 18, Mauchline, Ayrshire was point. My creating local
CAPTION(S):
BEE-LIEVERS Members of Beehavin' learn skills that will benefit them when finding work
SANCTUARY Working with computers gave Harry renewed focus
IMPACT Olivia has a bright future ahead of her in nursing
ASPIRATIONS Fiona - with daughter Mia - says she and her husband want to become foster parents
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| Author: | HEATHER GREENAWAY |
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| Publication: | Daily Record (Glasgow, Scotland) |
| Date: | Jan 23, 2021 |
| Words: | 1217 |
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