Felix, 14, from Denbighshire, has been named as the winner of an award from The Prince’s Trust after struggling to attend school. This challenge was fuelled by severe anxiety leading to health complications and self-harm. Even speaking about school triggered Felix’s symptoms leaving him only feeling safe at home and in his bedroom.
The Prince’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. Felix scooped the Delta Air Lines Breakthrough, recognising young person who has overcome personal barriers to take their very first steps towards achieving their goals.
Felix signed up for Achieve with Milestones Academy, a Prince’s Trust programme designed to support young people facing barriers to education. As Felix was no longer able to access traditional education due to his own obstacles, the academy was suggested to Felix instead. Through this, Felix discovered his new passion for the little things in life, like gardening.
On his journey with The Prince’s Trust, Felix said:
“I struggled in school, and I found myself having a very hard time speaking to new people. The thought of going outside was extremely daunting and so the thought of leaving home left me feeling completely overwhelmed. I battled with this for some time and didn’t think it would ever improve.”
Felix signed up for Achieve with Milestones Academy, a Prince’s Trust programme designed to support young people facing barriers to education. As Felix was no longer able to access traditional education due to his own obstacles, the academy was suggested to Felix instead. Through this, Felix discovered his new passion for the little things in life, like gardening.
Taking it upon himself to get involved with a garden project at the academy, Felix played an important part in the planning and execution of the garden including design work and garden structures.
Felix has been able to be himself at Milestones. Connecting and building relationships with his teachers and mentors has had a positive impact on his attendance, which once seemed impossible. Felix is now in a place where he attends the academy 4 to 5 times a week.
“I would like other young people to know that there is light at the end of the tunnel. I’ve been asked what the bravest thing I’ve ever done before is, and my answer to that asking for help. Help is one of the most difficult things to ask for, but I’m so grateful to Milestones Academy for giving me the opportunity to help and encourage other young people do the same.”
Cory Campbell, Field Director – Airport Customer Service EMEAI representing Delta Air Lines said, “Congratulations Felix – you are a worthy winner of the Breakthrough Award and a shining example to others. We wish you all the best for the future and we have no doubt you will go on to achieve great things.”
TK Maxx and Homesense (TJX) have been a partner of The Prince’s Trust since 2013 and are one of The Trust’s largest delivery partners of the Get into Retail programme. This is a two-to-six-week course that develops young people’s skills in the retail sector and supports them into positive outcomes in retail. TJX have also supported the Prince’s Trust Achieve programme since 2016, working with schools across the UK to build the confidence and teamwork skills of young people as they prepare for life after education.
Youth charity The Prince’s Trust gives young people the skills and confidence to get their lives on track. Three in four young people helped by The Prince’s Trust move into work, training or education.
