Prince's Trust helps Amanda to achieve a Breakthrough in life

Amanda MacPhail won the HSBC Breakthrough award given to young people who have developed new skills to enable them to make positive steps in facing their challenges and stabilising their lives.

Before the 23-year-old found The Prince’s Trust, she felt her future was uncertain having been unemployed for five years since leaving school and experiencing difficulties with relationships following the birth of her daughter in 2011.

In addition, she faced homelessness and social isolation while her mental health declined and she was unable tom look after herself, going so far as trying to take her own life.

Amanda was admitted to a support unit and received treatment for her mental health issues.

Desperate for help she contacted The Prince’s Trust and summoned the courage to enrol on the Fairbridge programme which gives disadvantaged young people the skills and confidence they need to change their lives.

Amanda said: “The Prince’s Trust has given me a sense of well-being and a new perspective on life. I can’t believe I won the award, I’d like to thank everyone at The Prince’s Trust for everything they have done for me.”

Amanda went on to the Get into Retail programme which helps unemployed young people find work in retail, is now taking a professional cookery course at college and has even become engaged.