YOUNG WOMAN FROM NEWCASLTE WINS PRESTIGIOUS KING’S TRUST AWARD
Eryn wins MARVEL Young Change Maker award at the England Country Final of The King’s Trust and TK Maxx & Homesense Awards
Eryn, 23 from Gateshead has been named as the winner of an award from The King’s Trust. After overcoming years of isolation caused by severe anxiety and depression Eryn found renewed purpose and confidence through support from The King’s Trust. Today she is more confident than ever, thriving in a job she loves, supporting hundreds of young people across her community.
The King’s Trust and TK Maxx & Homesense Awards recognise young people who have succeeded against the odds, improved their chances in life and had a positive impact on their local community. Eryn scooped the MARVEL Young Changemaker Award, which recognises a young person who has turned their life around and used their personal experiences to speak out and inspire others.
“Before The King’s Trust, I didn’t believe any employer would want to take me on. Suffering from anxiety, I thought I would be more of a liability than a good employee, but I proved myself wrong – I just needed help and the right opportunity.”
Eryn, battled with severe anxiety and depression growing up, leaving her isolated for the majority of her teenage years. She struggled at school leaving with only one GSCE, despite being predicted high grades. Struggling with her mental health, Eryn withdrew from society and for two years had no interaction with anyone her own age.
“My anxiety was so bad I became unable to go out in public or interact with people.”
“I completely withdrew from society and the outside world and felt imprisoned in my own room at the lowest point in my life.”
Concerned for her future, Eryn’s family looked for what support was available, when her grandma found The King’s Trust and accompanied her to her first meeting.
“I joined the Explore programme which really helped me rebuild my confidence, teamwork skills and explore ways to help manage stress, build resilience and set goals for myself.”
Eryn’s excellent communication skills and her naturally supportive personality meant she began to help other young people in the group as her own personal skills developed.
Following Explore, Eryn went on to the Get Into M&S programme where she continued to excel and went on to secure a 12-week contract that was extended multiple times, recognising her potential.
“I was so proud of how far I had come, but knew I wanted more for myself career wise. I reached out to The King’s Trust once again and joined a short course they were running with Newcastle Building Society and secured my first apprenticeship!”
Since completing the programme and her apprenticeship, Eryn has been made a permanent Customer Advisor for Newcastle Building Society, finishing her apprenticeship with a distinction, as well as going on to achieve a maths qualification alongside it.
Eryn now not only helps train and support new staff but is a huge part of their volunteering and social value activities. She also helps run ‘Your Money your Future’ for young people ranging from primary school age to university students and she has taken part in more than 30 of these events, helping hundreds of students across the region understand their finances and take control of their futures – supporting them pave the way to achieving their own success.
On winning the MARVEL Young Change Maker Award, Eryn said: “I hope sharing my story is somewhat relatable to other young people. Taking that first step always feels like the hardest part, and I owe a big forever thank you to Claire and Tom at The King’s Trust Newcastle Centre, because I wouldn’t be here today without them.”
Nigel Cook, Vice President, Brand Commercialisation & Retail, Disney Consumer Products EMEA said: “We are incredibly proud to award Eryn as our Young Changemaker for England!
“Eryn story and journey has been incredibly inspirational, and will no doubt inspire many other young people fulfil their potential and creating positive change in society, as well as successful futures of their own – everything this award embodies. A huge congratulations, Eryn!”
Youth charity The King’s Trust gives young people the skills and confidence to get their lives on track. Three in four young people helped by The King’s Trust in the past five years have moved into work, training or education.