Joe's story

Name: Joe

Age: 23 

From: Basingstoke  

Team: Basingstoke 34 

What were you doing before you started with the Prince’s Trust Team programme? 

“Before I joined Team I slept in, felt I had no purpose, I was just doing things to pass the time I was stuck in the same boring routine. 

 “I’d sleep in, then make myself a cup of coffee, breakfast and then straight back to bed, wasting my days watching pointless online video’s. Back then I didn’t think it was much of a problem, but now I realise that wasn’t much of a life to live. 

 “I had really bad mental health with my mind all over the place, trapped in a routine which meant I never wanted to leave the house.”  

What made you want to undertake the team programme? 

“The course was suggested to me and my Nan gave me the nudge I needed by reminding me that everyone taking part would be feeling just the same as me, she was right!”  

What did you want to gain from undertaking the team programme?  

“I wanted to gain a routine, a new direction to take and the confidence to move forward.”

How did you find the Fire Station input to your programme? 

“It was really interesting being part of the fire station and watching and hearing crews respond to incidents. Being on station has definitely made me more aware of how to keep safe at home and the scale of what’s involved when a call for help comes.”  

How do you feel coming to the end of the programme? 

“Quite sad and upsetting to think it’s over. I will miss everyone.” 

What does the next chapter look like for you?   

“My next steps look promising, I hope I’m going to pass my driving test then I hope to work in removals as a driver’s mate. I’m looking forward to the practical hands on side of the job. Team has helped me update my CV ready to apply for work.”  

What would you say to a friend who was thinking about joining the programme? 

“Definitely do it, hands down, it makes you more confident. If you’re lacking confidence this is where you’ll find it.  

You meet fantastic people and it sort of gives you the idea of what you want to do when you don’t currently do anything.”

 Read more Prince’s Trust case studies