A journey of determination: Harry’s story
Harry has been on quite a journey with the Young People Wellbeing Project.
Harry resided in ALABARÉ supported accommodation in Trowbridge (Wiltshire Foyer North). He’d previously been feeling very low and struggled to engage with support workers and employability coaches, and had declined to meet with the Wellbeing Support Lead on several occasions.
It wasn’t until Harry was offered the opportunity to take part in an Equine Therapy type activity that we’d sparked his interest.
We’d partnered with a charity called Power of Polo, and Harry completed a week of residential-based training alongside some veterans. Harry had found his passion, and together with his support worker and several partners, we explored ways in which this could become his dream job.
Harry returned to a young people-only Polo residential, acting as an ambassador for the project, and helping to support those who may be struggling. He reflected on this experience and said how he’d felt the level of responsibility, how he was more aware of his actions and the impact on others.
We supported Harry as he completed two work trials in polo yards, one in Rugby and one near Salisbury. These experiences allowed Harry to make some mistakes, but more importantly, reflect on them and learn. He was building much-needed skills, experience and developing the right kind of attitude to get him to his dream job.
Together with his support worker, they created a post on a speculative post on social media asking for anyone who could support him on his journey. Through this, we were excited to receive several offers of support.
Harry, in the meantime, was applying for jobs locally and even got a part-time job in a local pub in the kitchen. It wasn’t long before Hertfordshire Polo Club reached out, and after various phone calls and Harry making a trip to visit them, they offered him a live-in job!
Harry had landed his dream job. Through his determination and some support, he’d made his dreams come true. He is now more focused than ever on creating his life; he’s even got himself a dog called Bailey.
We couldn’t be prouder of him and the person he has become.
Here, Harry conveys his appreciation in a thank-you letter given to the Young People’s Wellbeing Lead…
“I just want to say thank you so very much for everything you’ve done for me, I don’t think I could ever repay you nor do I know where to start, I don’t think I’d be anywhere near who I am today if it wasn’t for you, or even alive.
You have changed my whole life within a year of help with more than I have ever been able to do for myself, I finally feel a reason be proud of myself and its all thanks to you helping me with every step along the way.
Giving me support, motivational words and just over all being the kind soul you are. I feel like I’ve achieved more in the past year than I have in my entire life and I’m so happy things are going accordingly, I hope we never loose contact and I will always be there to return the favor or just to bend my ear.
I really can’t thank you enough, but from the bottom of my heart, thank you so much.”
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